Climbing the rankings so quickly has created a bit of surprise around me.
Honestly, on paper, it looks very simple.
In the real world? Not so much.
If I had to explain it to myself like teaching a lesson I don’t want to forget, I’d say:
Results come always from a process.
- Preparation: three solid months of just hitting sessions, nothing fancy, just getting the body and timing back.
- Focus on strengths: not wasting energy on a thousand details or fighting every battle, but training and playing what really matters.
- Showing up.
The last one sounds obvious, but it changes everything.
Showing up exposes you.
It highlights your weaknesses.
It makes you uncomfortable.
It hurts.
It’s boring at times.
And it offers no guarantees.
But... it is the foundation of every single achievement.
Without showing up, preparation means nothing.
Without showing up, strengths never have a chance to shine.
Without showing up, luck doesn’t even exist.
We all know this, deep down.
But writing it today gives me fuel. It feels like empowerment for the process.
Not only for this Winding Road to 2.8.
But for every single goal we set in life.
So here’s the reminder for me (and maybe for you too)
Keep showing up.
That’s where the magic starts.
So the question next is:
How should I fuel it then?
By leaning into the joy of learning,
knowing that every mistake carries a lesson.
By cherishing the satisfaction of small steps,
because progress rarely comes in leaps but in steady, quiet gains.
And by daring to embrace that cheeky boldness,
the belief that I belong here, on this court, chasing the game I love.
See you on the court.
Il Tennista
