𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒 | 𝐋𝐍𝟒

𝐕𝐈𝐈

January 2024-Melbourne

Milaine Vanboven stood on the hard court in a rented private tennis court in Melbourne, her eyes locked on the baseline. The late afternoon sun was starting to dip, casting shadows across the blue colored court. In just two days, she'd be playing her first match in the 2024 Australian Open, and this time, she had only one goal: to win.

Her muscles were lean, and she looked almost fragile, but everyone knew she had the power of a lioness inside her. They called her The Dutch Lioness for a reason. Her serve was the fastest in women's tennis history, her forehand and backhand were sharp and deadly. But still, despite her strength, something was off. It wasn't her skills holding her back—it was her mind.

«Willem!» she shouted her coach's name in frustration as her forehand crashed into the net for what felt like the hundredth time that day, She slammed her racket on the ground harshly, then she kicked it with her foot sending flying outside the tennis court.

«This isn't right! I'm not myself out here.»

Her coach, Willem, who had been watching from the other side of the net, walked over to her. He was calm as always, the kind of person who never seemed shaken, no matter what.

«Milaine, take a breath» he said, his voice steady. «You're overthinking everything. Your game is fine, but you're letting your doubts control you.»

Milaine clenched her jaw. «I didn't win a single tournament last year, Willem! Not one! I need to win this. I need to prove I'm still the best.»

She looked at him, her eyes filled with frustration and fear. She knew she was good enough—her serve, her shots, they were still the best. But the shoulder injury she had at the start of 2022 and her struggles through 2023 had left her shaken.

Willem put a hand on her shoulder. «Milaine, you're a four time grand slam winner .. you did that at such a young age because of your spirit, your fight. It's not just about how hard you hit the ball—it's about your heart. You've faced setbacks before, and you always came back stronger. The only thing that's stopping you now is your own fear.»

Milaine looked down at the court, feeling the weight of his words. «I'm scared» she admitted softly. «What if I can't get my mind back on track? What if I'm not as strong as I used to be?»

Willem's voice was gentle but firm. «Your mind is your greatest strength, Milaine Remember why you started playing tennis—not just to win, but because you loved the game. If you can find that love again, the rest will follow. This is your moment to come back, not just to the court but to yourself.»

Milaine took a deep breath, feeling her confidence slowly returning. She nodded, a hint of determination sparking in her eyes. She says, her voice more sure. «I'm going to own the court.»

Willem smiled, a look of pride on his face. «That's the Milaine I know. Now, let's see that serve of yours—the one that makes everyone stop and watch.»

Milaine grabbed a brand new racket she the previous one was broken .. she stepped back to the baseline, gripping her racket tightly. She tossed the ball into the air, her body tense and ready, and then unleashed her serve. The ball shot off her racquet, flying through the air and landing right where she wanted it, at the corner of the service box.

Willem nodded with approval. «That's it. That's what I've been waiting to see.»

Milaine let a small smile slip through. She still had doubts, still had fears, but she could feel it—she was getting closer to finding that fire inside her, ready to roar back to life.