'2013 was when I first played full time on the professional circuit and I really saw what it was like week in week out, what the top players in the world were like, how tough it was having to battle every single match.
'I realised how mental the sport is and I think playing so many matches and tournaments helped me improve mentally and toughen up. I've never really focused on my ranking per se because it's out of my control. I try and do the right thing each week and the ranking will look after itself.'
Another thing she quickly figured out was that it was going to be difficult to have intimate friends on the circuit – Laura Robson was among those she was close to when younger – and it drew a lot of attention in Paris when she bluntly spoke of life in the locker room not being a popularity contest.
'I feel like it's my job and my profession, I'm a bit surprised I get asked about this. I wonder why I get asked about it and if the men are asked the same question. I'm friendly with everyone, probably more with the English speaking players, but I wouldn't say I'm really good friends with anyone or best friends with anyone because to me it's tough to have true friend and then go out and play against them.
I want to win so much that I don't want to have any distraction in the way. I have my team around me, we hang out and I've got friends at home, friends around the world outside of tennis.
