Tennis was never work for me, tennis was fun. And the tougher the battle and the longer the match, the more fun I had.
Interpretation
Tennis is a source of enjoyment rather than a job for Connors, and he finds pleasure in challenges.
In this quote, Jimmy Connors expresses his perspective on tennis, highlighting that for him, the sport is not merely a job or a chore, but a source of joy. He suggests that the harder the competition and the longer the matches, the more he relishes the experience, emphasizing the importance of passion and enjoyment over obligation in pursuing one's interests.
In practice
During a sports motivational seminar to inspire young athletes.
I had true rivalries. Not only did I want to beat my opponent, but I didn't want to let him up, either. I had a rivalry with Mac, Lendl, Borg. Everybody knew there was tension between us, on court and off. That's what's really ingrained in my mind: 'This is real. This isn't a soft rivalry.' There were no hugs and kisses.
I think my greatest victory was every time I walked out there, I gave it everything I had. I left everything out there. That's what I'm most proud of. I can't go win Wimbledon anymore, so if what I've done in the past is not good enough, let it go. Because I'm certainly not sitting around thinking about it.
It's nice to have writers write nice things about you and guys on radio and TV say nice things about you, but the guy who's in the locker next to you is the one you play the game for.
Cricket is a pressure game, and when it comes to an India-Pakistan match the pressure is doubled.
The world of sports knows no religious, racial or political differences. Athletes, from whatever land they come, speak the same language. The lessons of competition are lessons for life.
Tennis is mostly mental. You win or lose the match before you even go out there.
One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than a hundred teaching it.
Women's tennis has been around for a very long time - we're talking about the 1800s. But women's soccer hasn't had such a long history, so now they're right at the beginning of really trying to make things equal. We need to continue not only to advocate for women but to have men advocating for women.
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