Tennis stars
Coco Gauff and
Maria Sakkari can relate to NBA Star Giannis Antetokounmpo's post-game presser where the Greek basketball star gave his thoughts on failure following his team's elimination from the NBA Playoffs.
Antetokounmpo, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, was asked after his team's loss whether he considered his season a failure.
"It's not a failure; it's steps to success," Antetokounmpo said. "There's always steps to it. Michael Jordan played 15 years, won six championships. The other nine years was a failure? That's what you're telling me?
"It's a wrong question; there's no failure in sports. There's good days, bad days. Some days you're able to be successful, some days you're not. Some days it's your turn, some days it's not your turn. And that's what sports is about. You don't always win. Sometimes other people win. And this year somebody else is going to win, simple as that."
Following her opening round win at the ongoing
Madrid Open, Gauff said she found the Greek star's words relatable.
"I almost felt like if I didn't win, it was a failure," Gauff said. "After Roland Garros [last year], it took me a long time to realize that tournament was a successful tournament for me. I was -- not beat up -- but really disappointed about it. Hearing that from one of the best players in the NBA right now shows that your career is a process.
"Just because you lost doesn't mean it was a failure. He's right, there's no failure in sports. You keep learning. In my personal opinion, the only failure is if you don't work hard, then that's a failure in itself. But the results? No. You're always working towards a goal and as long as you're trying, you either win or you learn. I truly believe that."
Greek star Sakkari also chimed in on her compatriot's words, saying she expected such a response from the basketball star due to his candid nature.
"Maybe it's a wake-up call for everyone outside of sports to understand what it means when you lose or when you don't achieve your goals," Sakkari said. "It's not the end of the world.
"I'm sure he's very disappointed that they didn't make it further, but the way he's handling it and his whole mentality is very unique. That's why he's one of the best in the world and that's why he's my idol, because not only is he a freak as an athlete, I think mentally he's a freak as well."
