"Of all the games men and women play, tennis is the closest to solitary confinement, which inevitably leads to self-talk, and for me the self-tajk starts here with the afternoon shower. This is when I begin to tell myself crazy things over and over until I believe them… I’ve won 869 matches in my career, fifth on the all-time ist, and many were won during the afternoon shower. With the water roaring in my ears, I recall particular wins. Then, I recall a few losses. I give myself strict orders as I shave: Take it one point at a time. Make him work for everything. No matter what happens, hold your head up. And for God’s sake enjoy it, or at least try to enjoy moments of it, even the pain, even the losing, if that’s what’s in store."
Andre Agassi played tennis professionally from 1986 to 2006. Often ranked number 1, he captured eight Grand Slam singles championships.