The U.S. Open starts today in New York, and while the $150-million retractable roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium is expected to keep out any rain, the real challenge for the athletes is dealing with injuries. The Los Angeles Times notes that Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams are both starting off with injuries this year, while five-time winner Roger Federer will sit this one out, thanks to his knee.
But, if there’s anything professional athletes know, it’s dealing with challenges and staying motivated—which is why they’re the perfect people to help you start off this week right.
“Luck has nothing to do with it, because I have spent many, many hours, countless hours, on the court working for my one moment in time, not knowing when it would come.” –Serena Williams
“Some people say I have attitude—maybe I do… but I think you have to. You have to believe in yourself when no one else does—that makes you a winner right there.” –Venus Williams
“I enjoyed the position I was in as a tennis player. I was to blame when I lost. I was to blame when I won. And I really like that, because I played soccer a lot too, and I couldn’t stand it when I had to blame it on the goalkeeper.” –Roger Federer
“I think luck falls on not just the brave but also the ones who believe they belong there.” –Novak Djokovic
“I’ve stayed calm when I’m winning and I’ve stayed calm when I’ve lost. Tennis is a sport where we have a lot of tournaments every week, so you can’t celebrate a lot when you have big victories, and you cannot get too down when you’re losing, as in a few days you’ll be in the next tournament and you’ll have to be ready with that.” –Rafael Nadal
“Be bold. If you’re going to make an error, make a doozy, and don’t be afraid to hit the ball.” –Billie Jean King
“I question myself every day. That’s what I still find motivating about this. I don’t have the answers, I don’t pretend that I do just because I won the match. Just keep fighting and maybe something good happens.” –Andre Agassi
Quotes via BrainyQuote.com.
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