Strokes of Genius: Federer, Nadal, and the Greatest Match Ever Played

by L. Jon Wertheim

Toni was happy to tutor his nephew but immediately established a few ground rules: “If you ever throw a racket, we’re finished. They’re expensive, and when you throw a racket you don’t just disrespect the sport, you disrespect all the people who can’t afford equipment.” “Losing is part of competing. You will lose. And when you lose, it’s not going to be my fault or the fault of your racket or the balls or the courts or the weather. It is your fault, and you will accept it. Too many people in this world make excuses for their problems. You take responsibility and try and do better next time. That’s all.” “Have fun. When you stop enjoying this, it’s no good. You’ll find something else that gives you pleasure.”

“I don’t believe. I studied history in the university, and I know that religion comes from ignorance of people. The great tribal societies, in those times when there was a ray of light, the people would blame it on a magician or whatever it was. When society moves forward and science moves forward, religion becomes less important. It’s morality that is important, not religion.”