LONDON | Former player Stéphanie Dubois spins the perfect happiness in England, where she settled with her family for a few years.
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Dubois ended her career in September 2014. She had just lost in the first round of the National Bank Cup in Quebec. Since that day, she has never had any regrets regarding her career.
“Like all athletes, I needed a transition period following my retirement, says Stéphanie Dubois during a telephone interview. During the first years, it is always more emotional when you attend matches. »
Several years later, the inner flame is less strong than before. On the other hand, the interest for tennis is still very present. Moreover, we met her at Wimbledon with her husband.
“I go back to Wimbledon regularly and see players I know. Looking back, when I look back on my career, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. Few people can say they have played Wimbledon 10 times. »
On the other side of the fence
After her career, she studied at the Promédia School of Radio and Television to find a job in the media. She landed a job as a tennis analyst at BT Sport, one of England’s biggest broadcasters.
“I have always had an interest in this profession. My job at BT Sport allowed me to work in English immediately following my career, adds the one who is from Laval. It was a golden opportunity that opened the door to me for the WTA. »
For several years now, she has been an analyst for the WTA platform. It is his voice that we hear all over the world during a dozen tournaments.
“You can hear me on TSN and ESPN during games,” said the Quebecer. I also did a few matches in French for the TVA Sports channel.
“On the other hand, I limit myself because my daughters are still small [cinq et deux ans]. I can’t do 30 right now. When I can go to tournaments in person, I go. »
The WTA studios are located in Leeds, three hours by plane from his home in Sevenoaks. She leaves her family for a few days before returning home at the end of the tournament.
A devoted mother
Between tournaments, Dubois stays home to care for his daughters, Alicia and Annabelle. Her husband, Oliver, is also helping out.
“I always wanted to have a family. The arrival of children can change a life, but I find that I have a good balance.
“When I’m here, I focus on the girls. When they are older, I would like to increase my number of tournaments as an analyst on television. »
What would be his reaction if his daughters decided to follow in his footsteps in the next few years?
“Alicia took a few classes and she will start once more soon. Annabelle is comfortable with a racquet. I will encourage them, no matter what sport they are going to practice. If it’s tennis, it will be tennis. »
Impressed
Canadian women’s tennis has seen some big moments in recent years, courtesy of the outbreaks of Bianca Andreescu and Leylah Fernandez.
“I am impressed by both, Dubois analyzes. Leylah made the US Open final and she’s been training really hard. She takes the ball very early on the rebound. It is compact.
“Bianca is entertaining to watch. Injuries have slowed her down in recent years. She has a lot of potential. »
Echoes of Big Ben
NICE MEETING WITH STALEY
In the press room, you can have impromptu meetings. On Sunday, I had the chance to shake hands with Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley. Staley is a tennis maniac. He is at Wimbledon with his wife for two days.
ONE CITY, THREE MAJOR EVENTS
Things are moving in England. In the space of a few days, this country will have hosted Wimbledon, the F1 Grand Prix at Silverstone (Carlos Sainz) and the Women’s Euro. It has to be done. Who says better ?
BETWEEN THE TWO EARS
I expected fireworks during the Kyrgios-Tsitsipas match. I was well served. At one point, the tension was heavy between the two players. Kyrgios managed to get into the head of Tsitsipas who deviated from his game plan. It’s as simple as that. When focusing on tennis, Kyrgios is quite the player.
THE PRECIOUS OF JOURNALISTS
Only a limited number of journalists can attend matches on center court. Some veterans have the privilege of going there as they please. For the others, there is a system of bracelets. During highly coveted games, a long line is seen around the media center reception.
