Beyond the Court: Lessons from Tennis

The U.S. Open is upon us, and I’ve been dialed in for the past week and a half. While I absolutely love the global reach of tennis, seeing four Americans in the semis feels like an iconic throwback—and I’m here for it.

Tennis has always been my favorite sport. I grew up playing competitively as a junior in California, spending my summers training in Florida, then went onto play in college. While there, I formed some of the most beautiful friendships that continue to carry me through all of life's moments to this day.

As an individual sport, tennis demands a unique blend of fitness, tactics, mental strength, and grit. Which is why it's so exciting. Also why there's so much to learn from it, personally and professionally. Unless you’re playing doubles, you’re out there alone, strategizing in real-time, making split-second decisions, and managing a roller coaster of emotions as the momentum shifts—all while running around the court for hours.

It certainly builds character. At least that’s what I remind myself when I watch my son play, ha! 💪

I think Serena Williams said it best: “A champion is defined not by their wins, but by how they recover when they fall.” 

↘ This resonates far beyond the court, reminding us that resilience is key in both sports, work, and life.

Andy Murray expressed a similar sentiment: “There’s always another match, and if you learn from your mistakes, you’ll be tougher next time.” 

↘ Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re growth opportunities. Let that sink in.

Whether in tennis, work, or life, these lessons remind us that success isn’t just about winning—it's about the journey, the effort, and how we rise after we stumble.