Sarah Pang, 40, Aims for Tennis Comeback Fueled by Joy

SINGAPORE: At 40 years old, Sarah Pang is preparing for a remarkable return to professional tennis, an age when most athletes would typically consider retirement. Pang, who became only the eighth Singaporean woman to break into the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings in 2019, is driven by a desire to play joyfully rather than to chase rankings. Her recent year away from the sport to care for her ailing mother has given her a new perspective on competition.

“When you step back out on court after a monster year like that, the playing comes with a different lens,” Pang shared in an interview with CNA on the podcast A Letter to Myself. “I’m not playing to prove anymore. I’m playing because I want to. I’m playing because I feel joy.”

Redefining Athletic Longevity

Pang faces frequent questions about her decision to pursue tennis beyond the typical prime age of athletes. She cites advancements in sports science that enable athletes to compete well into their 40s. Her training regimen includes strength and conditioning, osteopathy, Pilates, meditation, and therapy. “We’ve just not caught up with that awareness in Singapore. So, for me, 40 is still young,” she added.

Her journey into professional tennis began at 19 when she chose the sport over golf, encouraged by her father’s belief in the autonomy it offers athletes. Despite the challenges posed by her family circumstances, including her mother’s stroke when Pang was 18, she embraced the opportunity to pursue tennis full-time after graduating from the National University of Singapore with a degree in English literature.

In 2014, she committed to tennis, juggling three jobs and student loans to fund her training at the Sanchez-Casal Tennis Academy in Barcelona. Surrounded by much younger competitors, she recalls this unique experience as both challenging and rewarding. “I just knew that I was there to play and to try and become as much of a player as I could be,” she reflected.

Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Purpose

Pang faced a significant low point in 2018, when her bank account held only S$1.87, forcing her to cut her season short. The financial strain of competing internationally can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, making it difficult for athletes in Singapore, where asking for support is not culturally common. She vividly remembers a moment when a security guard handed her S$10, telling her, “Girl, go and chase your dream.” This kindness deeply impacted her and reinforced her commitment to represent her country.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 presented another challenge, as it halted all international tournaments. Yet, Pang found gratitude in this pause, which encouraged personal growth. “While COVID reset all of that work, it also forced perspectives of internal growth that I don’t think I would have uncovered otherwise,” she noted.

Her journey has also inspired her to create a brand and social media presence under the name “tenniswithsarah,” aiming to share her experiences and connect with others.

Currently, Pang is focused on training and fundraising, expressing satisfaction with her progress in recent warm-up tournaments. She anticipates a busy tournament schedule beginning in late March or early April. “My focus till then is dual – to keep preparing my body and to raise enough support to enable me to give this next season of tour my best shot,” she said.

When discussing her goals, Pang emphasizes the importance of authenticity over mere rankings. “It’s easy to say: ‘Oh, I would like to hit so-and-so ranking at this time,’” she explained. “But the deeper goal that I have for myself on court is to play free and to handle the pressure of sponsors and expectations.”

Pang’s journey reflects not only the resilience of a dedicated athlete but also a profound understanding of what it means to play for joy. As she prepares to re-enter the professional circuit, her commitment to authenticity and personal growth shines brightly, inspiring many along the way.