ITF

Jackson, tennis was quite overwhelming and could consume my whole life as it was so intense. "That is not always a good thing when you have no break from the game. I literally had no break from London through to Rio, so when I had Jackson, it gave another perspective. "I am not just an athlete; I am a mum above everything. Now, I play better tennis because I am more chilled, kinder to myself and less critical." In essence, it all comes down to the big one and events at Ariake Tennis Park in Tokyo. After all, a Paralympic sojourn to Japan is the fundamental reason why Whiley returned and wanted another shot at the game she loves. With indications suggesting she is likely to call time on her career after the Paralympics, the perfect retirement present is in the offing. As for Whiley's post-tennis career, that would appear taken care of. She already manages a property company with McCarroll, himself a former Paralympian who competed at the 2012 and 2016 Games, while he has also featured on UK TV property show Homes Under the Hammer. In the last year, however, Whiley has diversified. "I knew this was going to be my last Games and I also knew that I didn't have any qualifications, so I was going to be 29 and and told my team that I wanted to come back – simple as that," said Whiley. "I just wanted to come back and win singles gold and another singles slam – that was my only real motivation. I felt I had done all I needed to in doubles: I had been world No. 1 and had won nine Grand Slams at the time, so I didn't feel there was much more to do. "I came back so my singles game could reach its potential as I didn't feel it had. When I came back my tennis wasn't that far off where it had been. I'd played tennis for so long, it was like muscle memory, but it was more the fitness side. "I really struggled with losing the baby weight, getting fitter and into shape, while I wasn't match sharp. It is only recently, maybe since February, I have felt back to where I was before Rio." While titles have been sealed, including further doubles joy with Kamiji at the Australian and US Opens in 2020 and at this year's Wimbledon, that coveted Grand Slam singles crown – to add to her 2015 US Open triumph – has remained out of reach. Nevertheless, Whiley believes motherhood has resulted in her on-court evolution. "I'm certainly more grounded now and definitely calmer," she added. "Before I had Main pic Injury le Whiley's dreams of winning a Paralympic singles medal in Rio in ta ers Whiley and Shuker won another bronze together in Rio 24 Summer 2021 ITF World PARALYMPIC GAMES

• Cover