PARIS — Former world No. 4 Caroline Garcia has made a brutal and emotional admission about the physical agony that plagued the final stages of her career, revealing that she was in "unbearable pain" and required a daily cocktail of tablets simply to step onto the court.
The French tennis star, known for her powerful serve and aggressive game, officially announced her retirement from professional tennis last month, closing a chapter on a 15-year career that saw her claim 11 WTA titles, including the prestigious 2022 WTA Finals, and lead France to a Billie Jean King Cup victory.
In a wide-ranging and deeply personal interview with L'Équipe, Garcia, now 30, opened up about the primary reason behind her decision: a chronic and debilitating right shoulder injury that refused to heal despite exhaustive treatments and ultimately made competing at the highest level impossible.
"The pain became unbearable," Garcia confessed, her voice steady but carrying the weight of her struggle. "For the last two years, it was a constant battle. Every serve, every forehand was a reminder of the injury. I was taking anti-inflammatories and painkillers every day, just to practice, just to get through a match. That is no way to live, and it is certainly no way to play tennis at this level."
The Slow Descent into Pain
Garcia's shoulder issues first began to surface in 2019, but she and her team managed the condition through careful scheduling and physiotherapy. The problem, however, was degenerative. By the time she reached her career-high ranking and triumphed at the WTA Finals in 2022, she was already masking significant discomfort with medication and sheer willpower.
"Winning in Fort Worth was the peak of my career, a dream come true," she reflected. "But even in that moment of ultimate victory, there was a shadow. I knew my body was breaking down. The celebration was bittersweet because I knew the cost."
The 2023 and 2024 seasons saw a dramatic decline in her results and fitness. Garcia was forced to withdraw from multiple tournaments, including her home Grand Slam, Roland-Garros, a decision she described as one of the most painful of her career. She detailed the exhaustive measures taken to salvage her playing days.
"We tried everything," she stated, listing off the interventions. "Multiple rounds of PRP injections, shockwave therapy, extensive rehab, you name it. I spent more time in doctor's offices and physio rooms than I did on the practice court. The inflammation would subside for a week or two, then return worse than before."
The Final Straw and Retirement Call
The definitive moment came during a training session in April. Garcia attempted a routine serve and was met with a sharp, incapacitating pain that left her unable to lift her arm. Medical scans confirmed the worst: the wear and tear on her shoulder joint was irreversible, and continuing to play risked permanent damage.
"That was the reality check," Garcia explained. "The doctors were very clear. I could keep taking tablets and playing in constant pain for maybe another six months, but I would likely need major surgery and might never have full use of my arm again. Or, I could stop now and have a normal life."
She described the decision as both heartbreaking and straightforward. "It was brutal, but it was simple," she said. "I had to choose my health. I want to be able to play with my future children, to live without pain. Tennis gave me everything, but it was time to take my life back."
A Career Filled with Pride and Prejudice
Despite the painful end, Garcia expressed immense pride in her accomplishments. She broke into the world's top 10, won major titles, and became a national hero in France, particularly after spearheading the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup win. She also spoke candidly about the pressures that came with early hype, notably from Andy Murray, who labeled her a future world No. 1 in 2011.
"The 'future No. 1' tag was a heavy burden for a long time," she admitted. "It created expectations that were difficult to handle as a teenager. But looking back, I see it as a compliment. And while I didn't quite reach that spot, I reached No. 4 in the world. I am very proud of that."
When asked to reflect on the highlights of her career, Garcia pointed to a few key moments that defined her journey, a journey she summarizes as a rollercoaster of immense highs and profound challenges.
Her career pinnacles included:
- The stunning victory at the 2022 WTA Finals, where she defeated Aryna Sabalenka.
- Leading France to a drought-breaking Billie Jean King Cup title.
- Winning back-to-back WTA 1000 titles in 2022 in Cincinnati and Bad Homburg.
- Achieving her career-high ranking of World No. 4.
Looking Forward: Life After the Baseline
Now officially retired, Garcia said her immediate priority is to allow her body to heal. She plans to undergo a final regenerative therapy procedure on her shoulder next month and then focus on a long period of rest and rehabilitation without the pressure of a comeback.
"The first thing I will do is stop taking all the tablets," she said with a noticeable sense of relief. "To wake up without needing medication to function, that will be a victory in itself. I am looking forward to simple things—traveling for fun, spending time with my family, and rediscovering who I am outside of tennis."
While she rules out a future as a touring coach due to the travel demands, Garcia is keen to stay connected to the sport. She has expressed interest in television commentary and in working with the French Tennis Federation to mentor the next generation of players.
"I have learned so much from this journey—about resilience, about my own limits, and about what truly matters," Garcia reflected. "I leave with no regrets, only gratitude for the incredible adventures and a clear understanding that it was time. My body gave its final warning, and I chose to listen."
She leaves the game as one of France's most successful players of the modern era, her powerful legacy defined not just by her titles, but by her courageous honesty in confronting its painful end.