Boris Becker: What our defeats teach us

People who know me know that I don’t exactly come from a sports background. I’m not one to hit the gym twice a week, nor did I grow up in a family that gathered around the TV every Sunday to watch sports together.

But working with Infosys Europe and hosting their EMEA InfosysConfluence for five years now has sparked a genuine curiosity in me and has brought me much closer to the sport of their choice: tennis! 🎾

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with some of the best tennis players of all time - including Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Garbiñe Muguruza, Tim Henman, Justine Henin or Amélie Mauresmo. This year I was joined on stage by the one who to this date was the youngest ever to win Wimbledon - at 17 - and through that gained fame overnight, as I got to spend an hour talking with Boris Becker. 🏆

One big thread running through all these conversations with elite athletes was the experience of both extraordinary victories and the most disappointing defeats. Being able to handle the pressure and stress they face as they step onto the court is one of the most important qualities all big tennis players possess, regardless of the strength of their serve.

It's not just about the outer game - it's also about the inner one.

It's about regulating emotions, handling highs as much as lows, and staying focused when the stakes are high. And perhaps most importantly: learning to be present. Not dwelling on the last mistake. Not getting lost in what might happen next. But bringing your attention back to the moment in front of you - and responding to it as best you can.

There’s something profoundly human in that that we can all learn from, whether we’re competing on Centre Court, navigating uncertainty in our organisations or simply trying to show up a little better in our everyday lives.

I’m grateful that, through these conversations, I got to step much deeper into the world of tennis and learn from those who truly excel there. In the end, one of the most shared learnings couldn't be closer to our everyday lives, as Boris Becker reminded us of: "Real growth comes from the losses, not the wins".

Photocredits: InfosysEurope & Anna Moffat.