Welcome to Tennis Canada’s monthly mailbag for March 2025. This month, former doubles world No. 21, Billie Jean King Cup team member, and WTA 1000 winner Sharon Fichman talks about how she got into tennis, memories from her playing days, and shares her thoughts on the game today.
How did you start playing tennis?
My parents’ only hobby really is tennis. So my brother and I had no choice but to come to the tennis courts with them. We inevitably picked it up because we were around it so much. My first time playing I was four and a half years old and I found a little racquetball racquet in our basement playroom. I found a ball and started to hit against the wall with my mom. The rest was history.
At what age did you first play at Nationals?
8 years old I believe. It was U14 nationals.
What is your favourite tournament that you ever played in?
Rome will always have a special memory and place in my heart.
What are some areas for growth in the women’s game?
Great question. I’d say consistency in results is the biggest thing at the moment. This goes for both the men’s and women’s game. It’s difficult to achieve because the level is so high but I think having a dominant force like the Williams sisters, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, etc… is something we haven’t see in a while.
Sabalenka and Swiatek have been the closest to really dominating but to consistently do it the way the women listed above have is something missing right now.
What is your favourite memory playing for Canada at the Billie Jean King Cup?
Sharing the bench with Captain Rene Simpson. She was my mentor and role model. I will always cherish those memories and be grateful for everything she taught me.
Read also: Road to the NBO Update – Draxl, Cross Continue to Lead After March ITF Events
What are your thoughts on the great start to the season by the Canadians, particularly the Canadian women like Victoria Mboko?
It’s so exciting! It’s fantastic to see the players we have coming up the pipeline like Vicky, Kayla Cross, Cadence Brace, Carson Branstine, Ariana Arseneault, and more. We have a promising generation of players to carry on the legacy that Canada has/is creating as a tennis powerhouse.
Read also: Guillaume Marx on Canada’s Pro Success and Coaching Future Stars
