"I don't make a habit of watching tennis matches, but I try to watch all the major finals. I try to make time for that. So unless I have something going with the kids where I can't, I try to watch, and I enjoy that"
- Ivan Lendl
About this Quote
In this quote, Ivan Lendl, a former world-renowned tennis gamer, provides insight into his method to engaging with the sport post-retirement. His statement uses a look into the balance he strikes in between individual interests and household commitments.
Firstly, Lendl acknowledges that he does not regularly view tennis matches ("I don't make a routine of watching tennis matches"). This might appear unexpected, offered his successful career, but it highlights a shift lots of expert athletes experience after retirement. Having actually invested years deeply entrenched in the competitive world of tennis, he may feel the need to distance himself from consistent direct exposure to the sport, allowing him to engage with it on his own terms.
However, Lendl expresses a clear interest in significant tennis events-- the significant finals ("but I try to view all the major finals"). This indicates his gratitude for the pinnacle of the sport, where the highest level of skill is frequently displayed. It suggests an ongoing regard for the game and possibly a reflective comparison to his experiences in comparable stages throughout his career.
Furthermore, his focus on making time for these occasions, unless family obligations intervene ("unless I have something choosing the kids where I can't"), reveals how he prioritizes his domesticity over personal interests. This shows a typical post-retirement shift for lots of professional athletes, who frequently shift focus towards functions that were challenging to prioritize during their demanding careers.
Lastly, Lendl's pleasure of watching these major finals showcases his enduring enthusiasm for tennis despite no longer being an active competitor ("I try to see, and I enjoy that"). It highlights how his connection to the sport remains a source of satisfaction rather than responsibility. In essence, Lendl's quote encapsulates a balance of professional fond memories and personal satisfaction, demonstrating how previous athletes redefine their relationship with sports in their post-competition lives.
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