In today’s competitive world of sports, being a professional tennis star is no mean feat. There is very little margin for error between winning and losing, which can significantly affect players’ physical and mental health. Ask American tennis star, Shelby Rogers, who at 31, is at the peak of her career. Rogers is in New York where she will be playing in the US Open. As she opens her campaign later today, a past interview of her went viral in which she opened up about her faith in Jesus Christ.
While Rogers has been playing on the WTA Tour for long, the American star credited her faith in god for the longevity of her career. Last year, she was interviewed by Sports Spectrum where she made a stirring admission about her faith in god. Rogers mentioned, “I mean, bottom line, I’m not perfect. I need a savior and he is my savior and that’s where I put my trust, I put my faith and that’s where I believe in. I carry him with me everyday, I feel his presence and it’s been very instrumental in my life and my career.”
Rogers started playing tennis at the age of just 4. Picking up the racket at such a young age, winning and losing became part and parcel of her life. However, she wanted to find an identity outside the sport. “So finding Jesus and placing my identity in him and who I am as a person… a child of God and that that doesn’t have to fluctuate with worldly success was really huge for me,” Rogers said.
Finding Faith and Identity
It is often said that parents are the pillars of the success of their children. The sport of tennis has seen many cases in this regard. Take the example of Serena Williams. As highlighted in the movie, King Richard, the American legend was supported by her father in tennis right from her childhood days. The case of Shelby Rogers is no different. The American star had great support from her mother while pursuing her tennis career, as she imbibed many useful values from her.
While fulfilling her tennis commitments, Rogers also put her faith in god and that’s again something she imbibed from her mother. During an interview with Sports Spectrum last year, the 31-year-old talked about her childhood days and how she remained grateful to her mother for her religious beliefs.
Impact of Faith on Rogers' Career
Further, Rogers believes that her faith in Jesus Christ has helped her uplift her career. “I carry him with me every day, I feel his presence and it’s been very instrumental in my life and my career,” Rogers once said.
Rogers has never shied away from expressing her religious beliefs. Taking to X, she once said, “Religion says God will love you if you change, the Gospel says God loves you now& His love will transform you into a reflection of His heart.”
The American star is currently in New York, where she will play in her last US Open. She made a saddening revelation about her retirement just days before the start of the tournament.
Rogers Announces Retirement from Tennis
At 31, Rogers still had a few years left in her tennis career. However, she didn’t intend to prolong her career after many battles with injuries. Her relentless injury woes were becoming too tough to manage and she eventually made her retirement decision clear on social media.
“When you start playing a sport as a kid, you never think about the ending. You just practice, have fun, and chase your dreams as hard as you can… There really aren’t enough words for this moment, but I can confidently say that I have pushed my body to its limit. These last couple of years fighting with injuries and surgeries have been challenging,” Rogers wrote.
Further, Rogers thanked Jesus Christ for laying the foundation of her career with blessings and joys. “Jesus has been my foundation and my anchor through this crazy life on tour. I am forever humbled by the blessings and joys He has gifted me through both the highs and lows,” she added.
Rogers will take on her compatriot and good friend, Jessica Pegula in the first-round match later today. Who are you backing to win that match? Let us know in the comments below.
A Legacy of Faith and Resilience
Shelby Rogers' decision to retire from professional tennis marks the end of an era for the American star. Her career was not without its challenges, but her unwavering faith and resilience have helped her overcome them. She has left an indelible mark on the sport, and her story serves as an inspiration to athletes and fans alike. Rogers' commitment to her faith has not only shaped her personal life but also her journey as a tennis player, demonstrating the powerful influence of spirituality in the pursuit of athletic excellence.
