OCTOBER 2024
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Greetings from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Tour Junior Finals in Chengdu, China, where I have the honour of mentoring all the players on behalf of the ITF. It is a role I have had since the event began back in 2015 and is always one of my favourite weeks of the year doing what I love, helping such dedicated young professionals to be Extraordinary. In China, we can learn so much from the wisdom that comes from timeless principles and 4000 years of civilised history. Enjoy my adaptations for tennis too!
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CHINESE WISDOM
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坚持就是胜利. Translation: Perseverance leads to victory.
Meaning: Tennis demands continuous effort and commitment. Success comes to those who keep working hard and never give up.
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不怕慢，只怕站。Translation: Don’t fear going slow, only fear standing still.
Meaning: Improvement in tennis, like in life, is about progress, no matter how small. Keep working hard every single day. Focus on the little1% improvements you can make. Little by little, little things come big things.
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胜败乃兵家常事. Translation: Victory and defeat are common in battle.
Meaning: In tennis, as in life, both wins and losses are natural. Enjoy the wins and learn from your losses. They are a gift.
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平常心是道。Translation: A calm mind is the way.
Meaning: Maintaining inner calm and emotional balance during a tennis match leads to greater clarity, more flow and a better performance.
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失败是成功之母。Translation: Failure is the mother of success.
Meaning: Athletes must embrace failure as part of the journey to success. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
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滴水穿石，非一日之功。Translation: Dripping water penetrates stone, not in one day.
Meaning: Persistence and steady effort, over time, can overcome even the toughest challenges. For athletes, continuous effort leads to breakthroughs and mastery.
Let these ancient words serve as a reminder that true success is built over time, with every step, every challenge, and every effort bringing you closer to your goals.
Wishing you quintessential success and wisdom.
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Be Extraordinary!
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Love from Chengdu
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Ann
