With its two Grand Slam titles have canadian-born Mary Pierce a nice career to look back on.
however, It was not exactly her own idea to become proficient at tennis to start with, but rather her father's.
- Since I was 13 years old, my father was the coach at full-time, while my mother was a full time mum, tells Pierce to tennis-the blog Behind The Raquet.
- We had no income, and we lived in our car from time to time, she adds.
Fortunately, the young Mary Pierce flair for the game.
When she as 10-year-old total a racket up for the first time, she could feel it was something she could find out.
Already at the age of 14, she was professional, but then took the father control over the young girl's life. She had to earn money for the family.
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A knee injury put an end to his career in 2006, even though Pierce was not ready to put the racket away. Photo: Denis Poroy/Ritzau Scanpix
- My father got me out of school and was my coach until I was 18. I played because I felt I had no choice. I won, because I was afraid that my father would become violent. Fear was the major motivation, says Pierce.
from Here she was however financially independent of the father, which she broke with a number of years, and she asked up to tournaments with his French passport, as she has due to his French-born mother.
his Career started to roll, and at the age of 20, she won the Australian Open, as she stroked up as the world number three the same year.
But the father should not be a part of it.
- I saw my father one time, when I won the Australian Open, but otherwise I would not have anything to do with him. I hated him and would never see him again, remember Mary Pierce.
It should take five years, a religious revelation and a new Grand Slam victory, before she would meet with father again.
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Show this posting on Instagram“When I was 13 years old, my dad was my full-time coach and my mom was my full-time mom. There was no income and sometimes we lived out of our car. My dad showed me a bag of money and was like, "This is all we have.” Then he told me, “You better start winning because we need money." That was a lot of pressure to put on a young child. But when I first picked up a racquet, I looked like I had been playing for years so In the field that Good hatred given me this gift to play tennis. In turned professional at 14. My dad took me out of school and was my coach until I was 18. During this time, In played tennis because I had no choice. I had to win because if I didn't, my dad would get abusive, and I was afraid of what would happen. Fear was the driving emotion. In'm grateful that I had my mom who was my pillar of support. I also hate my brother who was my practice partner and later became my coach in 2000 and 2005 (two of my best years). We were very close. Looking back, I believe that my dad did the best he could. He loved me and wanted the best for me so he trained me to be tough. I would not have made it on tour without being mentally and physically resilient. My childhood made me the person I am today. I was fortunate to get a sponsor that supported me for three years. This allowed my family to eat and pay for my tennis. To age 16, I won my first big tournament in Palermo, Italy and broke into the Top 30. Then I was able to financially support my family and my tennis. From 18 to 25, I saw my dad once, when I won the Australian Open at age 20. Other than that, I didn't see him. In hated him, was afraid of him, and never wanted to see him again. To 25, In became a born-again Christian and my life completely changed. The Lord came and healed my heart from my past wounds and anger, and I was able to forgive my dad. I was able to love him and our relationship was restored. My dad got diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2016. I was able to be with him for all of the doctor's appointments, surgeries, and treatments. When he passed away, I was by his side. I am very grateful for the special times we shared.” @marypierce_75 #BTR #LegendaryBTR
the Year 2000 was a great year for Pierce. With his victory at the French Open, she is still the last frenchman to win at Roland Garros for both men and women, and there's even named a track, Allée Mary Pierce in the tournament after her.
And so she got a bit of a revelation.
As the 25-year-old was I, as a born again christian and my life changed totally. The lord came and healed my heart and I was able to forgive my father. I was able to love him and our relationship was restored, says the former top-player.
Mary Pierce highlight of his career was the victory in the French Open, which she won in 2000 with a French passport and with his brother as his trainer. Photo: Jack Guez/Ritzau Scanpix
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In 2016, was the father diagnosed with cancer in the bladder. The run up to his death was with his daughter at his side.
- When he died, I was at his side. I am very grateful for the special times we've shared, she says.
Mary Pierce was in 2019 inducted into the international Hall of Fame for tennis players.
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