John McEnroe, an American former World No. 1 tennis player — undoubtedly one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen — reflected on Serena Williams for Nike.
After Williams’ win at the Australian Open — that’s 23 Grand Slams — Nike released a new spot that I really like. Take a look at what McEnroe had to say below, and let us know what you think in the comments.
Growing up in Compton, California, it’s not expected that you’re going to be the greatest tennis player who ever lived, one of the greatest — if not the greatest — athletes in the history of the sport. It’s a situation that comes along once every hundred years.
Serena has had something special ever since I saw her at eight years old, [when] I hit a few balls with her and her sister. But I didn’t realize at the time that she’d be as great as she is. She has this will — more will than any other male or female player I’ve ever seen. Even though she has accomplished a lot, she wants more. That’s something that separates a champion from a truly great champion. She wasn’t satisfied when she got as many majors as her sister. She wasn’t satisfied when she caught up to [past champions] and she doesn’t seem satisfied now that she’s claimed the record for singles title in the Open Era. She wants to be considered the best ever.
Even though she has accomplished a lot, she wants more. That’s something that separates a champion from a truly great champion.
She’s the player who’s gotten out of more trouble, out of more match-point situations, out of more match-game situations; she’s in another gear, mentally. It’s hard to dig deep in your soul to find what it is that allows you to continue — to not only want it but to train for it and accept it. When that happens, people may treat you differently. They may resent it. They may have trouble accepting it, may not respect it, so you put yourself out on an island a little bit.
Early in her career, she didn’t play a great deal of tournament tennis, and a lot of people around the sport thought that hurt her. Ironically, it ended up helping her play as long as she has, because there’s still mental freshness to her that has allowed her to maybe even improve in her 30s, which is extremely hard to do in tennis.
She’s been able to find that comfort level, where she’s been able to excel and bring out the best in her tennis. There’s a lot that she’s been able to show younger players and there’s a lot to be learned from what she has done.
https://twitter.com/Nike/status/825282907157716992
Source: Nike
Sounds like high praise and it’s true. People who reach that level particularly in sports and especially in those that are 1-on-1 have to be built different not only physically but mentally. Your brain just has to be like steel and unwavering.
Isn’t she one of the most winningest athletes ever? She’s incredible. I just really hope we don’t find out she’s juicing
Yeah man, she is definitely up there in wins from what I heard on espn this weekend. I really hope that she isn’t juicing too. For real. Just let this one be the real deal.