A motivational message for parents and coaches of young tennis players

In the world of junior tennis, we often hear about talent, rankings, and results. But far too little is said about the joy of the journey. And yet it’s there — in the path taken, not just in the goal achieved — where a true athlete is built. And more importantly, a happy human being.

According to well-known statistics, 70% of young talents quit sports before the age of 13. That number should make us pause. It reflects a disconnect between what sport should be for children — passion, play, discovery — and what it all too often becomes: pressure, expectations, stress.

🎾 1. Overzealous parents: love that becomes a burden
Wanting your child to succeed is only natural. But when that desire turns into anxiety, excessive control, or constant criticism, the risk is that tennis stops being theirs and starts becoming a projection of your expectations. As Rafael Nadal once said:

“My parents always supported me, but they never forced me. They respected my rhythm, even when I lost.”
Presence matters — but so does trust.

🎾 2. Too much competition, too early
The race for rankings, points, tournaments. Kids playing every weekend under the pressure of a professional. But real tennis is built on solid foundations, developed over time: technique, fitness, tactical intelligence, emotional balance. As Novak Djokovic put it:

“Patience is the key. You can’t build a palace without strong foundations.”

🎾 3. It’s no longer fun
When asked “Why did you start playing tennis?”, most kids answer:

“Because it was fun.”
If tennis stops being a game — if every session feels like a battle and every loss feels like a tragedy — something has broken. Roger Federer, one of the greatest of all time, has often said:
“Tennis must remain a game. If it stops being fun, you lose something essential.”

🎾 4. Unrealistic expectations
We’d all love for our child to become the next Sinner or Swiatek. But putting that pressure on a young boy or girl can be crushing. Sometimes one U12 tournament win is enough for us to forget that we’re only at the very beginning of the journey. As Sara Errani reminds us:

“It takes time, it takes patience. And above all, you have to love the process.”

💡 Conclusion: the true victory is loving the sport
Coaches: be guides, mentors, educators. There’s no rush. Build people first — athletes second.
Parents: support without overstepping. Offer love, not pressure. Let your children fall in love with tennis every single day.

True success is not a scholarship, a sponsorship deal, or the biggest trophy.
True success is seeing a child smile after a hard practice, knowing they gave their all.
It’s watching them wake up eager to hit the court.
It’s helping them grow into better people — through sport.

As legendary basketball coach John Wooden once said:

“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.”

🎾 Stay the course… enjoy the journey.
Every point, every loss, every tiny improvement — they’re all part of something far greater.

by Federico Coppini
https://www.coppinifedericoacademy.com/