Chris Love has been passionate about tennis since he first picked up a racket as a child, inspired by watching his mom play in tournaments. After taking a 10-year break to focus on his mental health, Chris reignited his love for the sport and now competes in various Masters sports events.
We caught up with Chris to talk about his journey in tennis, his work in mental health, and what he’s most excited about as he prepares for next years World Masters Games in Taipei.
Can you give us a little introduction about yourself and your favourite sport?
Hi! My name is Chris Love my main sport is Tennis and I have been playing competitively since I was 12.
What attracted you to tennis as a kid, and when did you realise you had a passion for it?
As a kid I was drawn to tennis after watching my mom play in tournaments growing up.
I realized I had a passion for tennis by losing, I felt even at a young age when I would lose in a tournament I would want to improve and love the competitive nature and traveling around the US in juniors.
After stepping away from tennis to focus on your mental health, what inspired your return to the sport?
I was number one in North Carolina for 14 and under, and I remember at the same time my tennis journey coming to a halt. I struggled with my mental health a lot around that age, and as I continued on into high school, tennis was the last thing on my mind.
After taking a 10 year break I picked up the racket again at age 24, funny enough, I was motivated after watching my mom play in a tournament. I got back out there and started training and the fire ignited once again.
What are some of your career highlights or favourite moments?
A couple of my highlights so far is competing in the mother son nationals every year with my mom, we took home the gold ball recently in the Kentucky national mother son tournament.
What has been the key to sustaining your love of tennis over the years?
The key to sustaining my love for tennis is the emotional intelligence this sport requires. It encouraged me to dig deep, understand and control my emotions on the court and I believe this parallels for my mental health recovery as well.
What led you to start your mental health charity, and can you describe your role and its mission?
In 2019 me and a team started “the Emerald School of Excellence”, North Carolinas, first recovery high school. The non profit was designed to support kids struggling with mental health by having a therapeutic and educational environment surrounded by peers who have similar goals.
After going through my struggles in high school I wanted to help create a school that supported these things and make an impact in my home town.
How important is playing sports for your health and mental wellbeing?
Playing sports is so impactful for my physical and mental health. I have so many goals with tennis, tennis hold me accountable to work out, train, have structure and balance.
What advice would you give to someone considering pursuing masters sport?
My advice for playing in the masters sports is to PUSH YOURSELF TO DO IT. Competition like this can ignite a fire within you at any age and encourages you to push yourself to meet personal goals. Also, don’t forget to have fun :)
You are planning on competing in Taipei at the 2025 World Masters Games, what are you most looking forward to?
In Taipei I am most looking forward to traveling and meeting players from all around the world.
