Top-10 doubles star Ellen Perez reveals the importance of setting goals in every single practice session in our “Train with the pros” series.
Melbourne, Australia, 8 March 2024 | Leigh Rogers
Ellen Perez has made a promising start to the 2024 season, winning her biggest career doubles title and peaking at a new career-high ranking of world No.8.
In our Train with the Pros series, the 28-year-old recalls her most memorable practice sessions and shares advice on how to improve your game.
Do you have a favourite time of day to practice?
Definitely morning – 10 or 11 o’clock is the prime time. It allows me a little bit of a sleep in, but also means you can get your training done with and feel like you’ve accomplished something early. I hate waiting around and feeling like you’re tired and lethargic throughout the day.
What is the favourite part of your game to work on?
I actually really enjoy working on my volleys. I think it’s one of those elements that when I was playing a lot of singles, I didn’t do as much of, and now that I’m transitioning into doubles more, I think it’s the fun part. It’s where you can get creative. It requires a bit of skill and good reaction times.
Do you have a least favourite part of your game to work on?
I think I neglect serving a little bit. It’s the part that’s a bit more slow and mundane. It requires a lot of repetition work and I’m someone that likes to be constantly trying something different and doing something that’s fun or exciting.
How do you like to structure your practice sessions?
It depends on the time of the year and what is coming up. In preseason, it’s a lot of drilling and repetition with a focus on volume. Right before a competition, it’s a lot of point play to feel like you’ve practised exactly what’s about to happen in a match scenario.
Do you try to practice with your doubles partner as much as possible?
Throughout the year when we’re at tournaments, I’m always practising with Nicole (Melichar-Martinez). There might be some sessions where I do it alone with my coach if I need to work on some specific things. But if we’re hitting with another team, we always do it together.
Ellen Perez and American partner Nicole Melichar-Martinez celebrate winning a WTA 500 title in San Diego. Picture: Getty Images
Can you remember the first professional player you had the opportunity to train with?
My first top player would have been Sam Stosur. I…
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