I'd like to think I could have and should have won more, but that's not the point. And I was at the point where I was playing great tennis in the mid 80s - the type of tennis people hadn't seen before - and I was very proud of that.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on personal achievement and pride in one's unique contributions rather than just the outcome.
In this reflection, John McEnroe expresses a sentiment that while he might wish for a greater tally of victories, the essence of his experience lies in the pride of playing an innovative and exceptional style of tennis. He emphasizes that the value of one's efforts and the joy of creating something unique is more significant than merely the accolades received.
In practice
This quote is perfect for a motivational speech aimed at athletes.
I was a different kind of player as a kid and didn't do too much shouting and screaming. If things didn't go my way, I tended to get a bit overwhelmed. All I wanted to do was cry on my mom's shoulder. I didn't know how to handle defeat in front of a crowd, and I didn't want to be the loser.
I just remember watching Federer the first year he won Wimbledon. He was struggling with his back problem. I remember it vividly. It looked like there was a chance he was not going to finish. He had that look in his eye. Then, somehow, he found the wherewithal to dig a little deeper, and suddenly he wins the thing, and he's a different player.
Tennis was a white, upper-class sport, and I wanted it to be treated like other sports were.
You hit a wall at some stage when you don't want it so bad, but you don't know when that's going to be - as far as competition or as far as health is concerned. Sometimes it's just natural. You just taste it, and you want it so bad that you find other gears.
The only thing 'championship' about Wimbledon is its prestige.
The important thing is to learn a lesson every time you lose.
You must pay the price if you wish to secure the blessings.
The ability to work hard for days on end without losing focus is a talent. The ability to keep absorbing new information after many hours of study is a talent.
Years ago I wanted to buy an apartment in New York City. I was a single female - I had gone through my divorce - I had three children, I was in show business and black. It was, like, impossible.
Wealth is in applications of mind to nature; and the art of getting rich consists not in industry, much less in saving, but in a better order, in timeliness, in being at the right spot.
Fundamentally, the basis of all modern progress is the efficiency of labor. And the only sure road to restored prosperity is through the thrift and hard work of our people as a whole.
There is no greater fame for a man than that which he wins with his footwork or the skill of his hands.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.