The best role model is: Jan-Lennard Struff
He is currently enjoying the great attention of the tennis world: Jan-Lennard Struff has made people sit up and take notice (once again) with his victories in Madrid. But his greatest achievement lies beyond the big squares.
by Daniel Müksch
last edit:
May 04, 2023, 11:56 am
In the future, too, young tennis talents will very likely name Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic when asked about their role models. A little older interviewees might definitely include Roger Federer. Understandable. Do these players shape or have decisively shaped the tour in recent years (decades). However, young tennis talents in particular should also orientate themselves towards players who have not made it to the top of the world with their unique talent.
The future of tennis can be learned most from professionals like Jan-Lennard Struff. Such players work every day towards their dream of traveling the world as a professional. Sometimes more, sometimes less successful. But they don't let defeats, injuries or streaks of bad luck dissuade them. Because they follow their passion. Such players lose more matches than they win in their careers. Struff has 177 individual ATP wins in the statistics - with 210 defeats. Every week he gets on the plane to the next tournament with a defeat in his luggage.
The heart of a champion
Still, he keeps fighting. Keep going. Day after day. Week after week. He can only rely on his exuberant talent in the fewest matches. If need be, he goes the slog of qualifying in order to be allowed to start in the Masters or the Grand Slams.
It's unquestionably extraordinary what the Tour's superstars are doing. But the heart of a champion has many faces.
And sometimes it's not found at the top of the world rankings.