Sitting in Centre Court today in anticipation of the Men’s Semi Finals, has given me the chance to reflect on this year’s Wimbledon and the dazzling display of fresh talent on the courts of SW19. In the absence of Nadal, Federer and Williams, we have been royally entertained by a new generation of players who share a hunger and drive that is truly inspiring.
Whether it was wildcard Svitolina defeating world number one Swiatek in the quarter finals, Eubanks winning the hearts of the crowd in his 4th round match against Tsitsipas or Alcaraz and Rune battling it out on Centre Court at just 20 years of age – each of these players embrace an underdog mentality that gives them the unshackled confidence to go out there and prove themselves.
This underdog mindset is just as powerful in the world of business. It’s the belief that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. It’s about asking yourself how you can challenge the status quo by defying expectations and succeeding against the odds. As a manager, it means cultivating this spirit to motivate your team to go the extra mile, overcome obstacles in their path and achieve success.
So, as we get ready to enjoy the excitement of the Wimbledon finals, let’s draw inspiration from the confidence and persistence of these new tennis stars and learn how to think like an underdog. Nobody likes losing, however, by thinking like an underdog you won’t be scared to lose and will look to the future to find ways to win. A mindset that I’m sure will hold Marketa Vondrousova in good stead, as the first unseeded woman to reach the final of Wimbledon since 1963!
