Novak… what I feel compelled to write is not intended (and you do not need it) to justify your defeat yesterday, nor to diminish João Fonseca’s wonderful match. My intention is to put into context what you have accomplished.
Anyone reading this, imagine yourself at 39 years old. To play just one professional-level match—and on clay, no less—at 39 years of age, and still be able to keep up physically, is something only gifted athletes can do. But to play and win that first match, recover, win a second match without ending up on a stretcher, and then play a third one! And to be able to compete in it and have a real chance of winning… for me, and I believe for any former professional athlete, that is far more difficult than winning a Grand Slam at 23, 25, 27, 30, or even 32 years old.
You are competing against athletes who are at the peak of their physical powers. Let’s not lose perspective.
My sincerest respect and gratitude for being an example of physical and emotional self-care—which, in my opinion, is even more important—not only for tennis, but for the rest of life, which continues long after retirement.
My love for you is immense—you know that.
Feel fulfilled and happy for everything you are achieving in sport. What you have done this week is sublime in terms of taking care of your body in order to accomplish something so extraordinary. This time, it was not about winning the tournament, but, in my opinion, something even more remarkable: being competitive in a Grand Slam at 39 years old!
There stands yet another extraordinary milestone in your tennis career.
SOMETIMES WINNING IS NOT THE STORY, NOR THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY THING.
“A lesson we should all learn…
To be satisfied with ourselves for taking care of ourselves and working on ourselves, regardless of the result.”
With all my respect and affection, Novak… I LOVE YOU.
Pepe