QUOTE 20, OCTOBER 2014
Greetings this week come from the WTA Finals in Singapore. It has been a fabulous week seeing the very best in the world battle it out for the coveted Billie Jean King trophy and $6.5 million in prize money. We also conducted a great coaches conference so this week’s quotes come from some of the players, legends and the coaches too.
Serena Williams (Current World Number 1 and Winner of 18 Grand Slams)
was asked what separates talented players and champions. “I think being a champion is the one that works the hardest and maybe has to work harder than everyone else because they’re not as good and things don’t come as easy for them. So for me, that’s the difference.
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Marion Bartoli (2013 Wimbledon Champion)
Every practice is for a purpose. All the small details every single day makes all the difference. After 47 Grand Slams, I finally achieved my dream.
Sven Groeneveld (Coach of Maria Sharapova) Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Keep your plans simple. Never give more than three points. Plan your work. Work your plan.
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Ana Ivanovic (2008 French Open Champion)
Balance is the real key to success. Not only in terms of finding a pair of steady feet on the tennis court, but also attaining it in life. Now I find a balance between life on and off the court by spending time with my family and friends wherever I can.
Wim Fassette (Coach of Simona Halep)
Losing is growing. Sometimes you win. Sometimes you learn.
Li Na (2014 Australian Open and 2011 French Open Champion) Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â I also had the great privilege and honour of interviewing Li Na who is among the top 100 most influential women in the world. She was such an inspiration. She trained for 10 years under one coach who never said a single word of praise to her, even when she won tournaments. She thus really doubted herself. She only started to believe in herself by giving private pep talks in front of the mirror daily……”But sport can change a person’s thinking. An athlete’s thoughts and behaviour are a symbol of strength.”
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Tracy Austin (1979 and 1981 US Open Champion) Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
speaks of tennis as partially a performance art. About acting confident even if you’re not feeling confident. “If you don’t feel it, fake it.” she insists. “If you send hope to your opponent, it’s going to be a lot more difficult for you.”Confidence creates aura, which is in fact an invisible armour. It is the great player wrapped in a reputation and you have to defeat both.“
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Whatever sport you play, whatever field you are in, these quotes have lessons for us all. Work hard, practice with a purpose, keep things simple, learn from your losses, act like a winner and never stop believing in you. And don’t forget to have fun and find your balance.
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Love from Singapore
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Ann
