“In this society, where the only thing that seems to matter is winning, we are dangerously close to seeking victory at any cost.
I believe there should be a filter to all of this—one that involves considering others, respecting the rules, and doing the right thing.
Sport is not beautiful only when you win.
An athlete fights against themselves first and foremost.
This is part of winning.
Winning is not just about becoming a champion; winning is about self-improvement, about surpassing yourself.
I have lost many times, but I was happy with what I had done.”
— Julio Velasco
These words from Julio Velasco make us reflect on a profound truth: winning is not just about the final triumph, but about the journey we take to get there. In a world where only the final victory is often celebrated—while the sacrifices and the process leading up to it are overlooked—it is essential to rediscover the true meaning of “winning.”
Velasco invites us to see that victory is not just an external achievement but also an internal transformation. In every training session, in every match, winning means being better than yesterday, surpassing our own limits, facing our fears, and growing as individuals. Even when the victory doesn’t come, as Velasco himself states, the real satisfaction lies in knowing that we have given our all and improved ourselves along the way.
In tennis, as in any sport, the toughest competition is against ourselves. Every day, we challenge ourselves to become stronger, more precise, and more resilient. Every mistake is an opportunity to improve, every loss a lesson preparing us for the next victory. But the real victory is not just in the final score—it’s in our continuous desire to improve and face challenges with courage and determination.
Respect, fair play, and self-awareness are just as fundamental in an athlete’s growth. Velasco reminds us that even when we win, we must do so with integrity, respecting the rules and others, because that is where the true value of sport lies. It’s not just about defeating others but about learning to respect one another and approaching every match with the right mindset.
So, when we face difficulties, when the results don’t come immediately, let’s remember that every step we take brings us closer to a greater goal—not just a title or a trophy, but the best version of ourselves. The real victory is the one we achieve with patience, dedication, and, above all, the awareness of how we are evolving along our journey.
Winning means improving every day.