Leadership, Through the Lens of Tennis

If you are like me and have a love for tennis, whether as a fan or a player, there are a lot of leadership lessons to be learned from what has transpired over the past week. From the induction of Roger Federer and Mary Carillo into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and their respective induction speeches to the stories heard and seen from the players at this year’s U.S. Open, the messages and inspiration are plentiful. Here are a few of my favorites. But do not take my word for it. If you have not seen or heard Roger or Mary’s speeches, not to mention the remarks from those who introduced them, including Mirka Federer and the legendary Billie Jean King, I encourage you to take some time to listen, reflect, and consider what inspiration you can take away as a leader.¹

These highlights from Roger’s speech may draw you in and encourage you to reflect on the leader you are today and the leader you aspire to become.

Putting Internal Purpose Over External Validation: Being Authentic and True to Yourself

When speaking about the many coaches and role models he had throughout his career, Roger shared, “I learned from all of them, and eventually I had to figure out my own identity.” He also reflected, “At every stage of my career I tried to stay true to myself.” Perhaps most strikingly, when reflecting on his induction into the Hall of Fame, he stated, “They call this the Hall of Fame, but fame was never my goal.”²

For leaders, this is a powerful reminder. Learn from those around you, but do not lose sight of who you are or what ultimately drives you. External recognition may follow, but it does not have to be the goal.

Passing Along One’s Legacy to Future Generations

Although Roger shared that he hopes the sport will continue to get better, perhaps one of his greatest messages for future generations was his encouragement to “stay young at heart and stay true to their authentic selves, and always remember, never stop asking questions or taking risks.” He followed this with a reminder that “we all leave the court eventually, but the sport keeps evolving.”²

Leading as a Coach

Roger acknowledged many coaches throughout his career, but a few reflections stood out. When acknowledging his longtime coach Severin Lüthi, he shared, “He kept me motivated when I needed motivating, and he protected me when I needed protecting.” Of Tony Godsick, his longtime agent and business partner, Roger said, “He’s helped me think bigger and bolder about the world beyond the tour.” And speaking about coaches more broadly, he shared, “Coaches teach children how to win and bounce back when they lose.”²

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Whether through Roger’s reflections, the other notable speeches from this year’s Tennis Hall of Fame induction, or moments on the court, there are reminders that leadership is often revealed through both words and actions. At this year’s U.S. Open, Mirra Andreeva helped her opponent, Anastasia Potapova, after she fell with an apparent leg injury, later embracing her after Potapova was forced to withdraw from the match.³ Taylor Townsend, who reached the fourth round of the U.S. Open for the second consecutive year, she also shared a powerful reflection on overcoming the expectations others had placed on her. “I turned pro when I was 15, and for so many years people were telling me what I should be, how I should act, and what I should look like, and now I'm able to stand here strong, as a mother, No. 1 in doubles, creating history. I'm doing things my way and I'm writing my own story.”⁴

I invite you not only to tune in to watch the U.S. Open and listen to the inspiring speeches from this year’s Tennis Hall of Fame inductees, but also pause and reflect on the messages that speak to you. What can you take from them to strengthen how you lead today and continue developing into the leader you aspire to become?

Sources:

1. International Tennis Hall of Fame. 2026 Induction Celebration. 2026. https://www.tennisfame.com/induction?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tennisfame.com%25

2. International Tennis Hall of Fame. Roger Federer’s Hall of Fame Induction Speech. 2026. https://www.tennisfame.com/roger-federer-and-mary-carillo-inducted-into-the-international-tennis-hall-of-fame-8882596f17244e3c

3. Women’s Tennis Association. Andreeva’s Act of Sportsmanship Stands Out in US Open Win Over Potapova. September 7, 2026. https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4573440/andreeva-shows-sportsmanship-after-escaping-potapova-upset-bid-at-us-open?

4. U.S. Open. Taylor Townsend Ahead of 2026 US Open Battle vs. Sabalenka: “I’m Writing My Own Story.” September 5, 2026. https://www.usopen.org/amp/en_US/news/articles/2026-09-05/taylor_townsend_ahead_of_2026_us_open_battle_vs_sabalenka_im_writing_my_own_story.html?