MAY 2026
As the red clay courts of Paris once again welcome the world’s best, I find myself reflecting on what makes Roland Garros so special, not just in tennis, but in life.
There is something unique about the French Open. The clay is demanding. The rallies are longer. Momentum constantly shifts. Nothing comes easily.
It is a true test of patience, resilience, adaptability and belief.
This year feels especially exciting as one of my players has just battled through three tough rounds of qualifying and is set to make her Roland Garros main draw debut tomorrow. Watching athletes chase their dreams on one of the biggest stages in the world is always a powerful reminder of what is possible when preparation, courage, persistence, and belief come together.
In many ways, the clay courts of Paris mirror the challenges we all face: whether on the court, in business, leadership, relationships, or simply in the pursuit of becoming our best selves.
Over the years, I’ve worked with many players preparing for these very courts, and the lessons learned on the red clay are just as valuable off it.
LESSONS FROM THE CLAY
Patience is power
Clay rewards those who stay calm, composed and willing to build point by point. Success rarely happens overnight. Greatness is built through persistence, consistency and trust in the process.
Victory belongs to the most tenacious.
Rafael Nadal
Adaptation is essential
The bounce changes. The conditions shift. Plans need adjusting. Champions are not rigid. They stay flexible, composed and solution focused when things do not go exactly as expected.
Resilience is required
On clay, slips and setbacks are inevitable. The best players recover quickly, reset emotionally and move forward with renewed focus and energy.
Pressure is a privilege.
Billie Jean King
It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.
Vince Lombardi
The little things matter
On clay, you cannot fake preparation. Fitness, routines, recovery, discipline, and mindset all get exposed over time. Small habits repeated daily create extraordinary results.
REFLECTION FOR THIS MONTH
As you watch the French Open, ask yourself:
• Where in your life do you need more patience and trust in the process?
• What is one area where adapting your approach could create a breakthrough?
• How quickly do you reset after setbacks?
• What daily habit or ritual helps keep you calm, grounded and energised when life becomes unpredictable?
Whether you are competing, leading, building, learning, or simply striving to grow, remember this:
Extraordinary results are rarely built in one giant moment.
They are built one point, one habit, one choice, and one resilient step at a time. The red clay of Paris reminds us all that true champions are not only talented—they are patient, adaptable, courageous, and deeply committed to the journey.
Wishing you a month of focus, resilience, growth, and extraordinary progress, on and off the court.
If you feel ready to elevate your mindset, performance, confidence, or simply reconnect to your best self, I would love to help. Feel free to reach out if you would like to work together.
Be Extraordinary.
Love Ann
