"If I start something I want to finish it and I want to say, 'Look I gave it my all.' And I don't think I was ready to stop. At the end of the day, I do love competing and giving myself a chance—I don't want to look back and say I didn't do that."

TENNIS.com Podcast co-hosts Nina Pantic and Irina Falconi caught up with Jamie Loeb at the W100 ITF in Midland, Mich., where she reached the semifinals of both singles and doubles. 

The 24-year-old New York native spent two years at the University of North Carolina, and won the NCAA singles title in 2015. She was awarded the $100,000 Oracle grant last year, but the pro tour hasn't been an upwards-only trajectory for her. The world No. 279 reflects on a tough 2019 that saw injury and lack of confidence hinder both her mindset and results. 

Despite her ranking dip (she was No. 132 in 2018) and not enjoying being on court, she won the W25 ITF in Dallas in October. It marked her eighth career ITF trophy and first since 2017, and signaled the start of a career turnaround. 

She talks about her college experience, relocating to Lake Nona, Fla., teaming up with Jermaine Jenkins (who has worked with Naomi Osaka and Venus Williams) and just how far she's willing to go to see Cardi B perform.  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices