This is the ending I was looking for, the perfect final chapter," Cornet's message after her return to Wimbledon

Asked by Punto de Break, Alizé Cornet explained her return to the tour. With nine matches played and four wins, the 35-year-old player came very close to securing a spot in the main draw of Wimbledon. She fell to her compatriot Jacquemot in the third round of qualifying (7-5, 6-1).

"The main reason I came back to the tour was to play on grass again. When I think about the journey it took to get back here… I feel like I’ve come full circle. I stopped playing tennis for reasons that disappeared after nine months of rest. All those expectations, all the pressure I put on myself every day.

In the last few years of my career, what I missed the most was enjoying myself a little more on the court. During this break, what I missed the most was the adrenaline, but adrenaline with joy. Now, I’ve finally found that balance, which I didn’t have before. It’s true that I used to play every main draw of the Grand Slams, even 69 in a row, but that’s okay.

I’m humble enough to appreciate tennis even in the qualifying stages. I love the game—it doesn’t matter if I’m playing a $25,000 tournament or on Centre Court at Wimbledon. I still have that childlike spirit; if I want to play, I’ll always be there. Now, this is the quality ending I was looking for, the perfect and true final chapter.