Vadym Ilchuk’s Post

Sometimes, it’s not the player with the best serve, the best forehand, the best backhand or the best movement who wins. How? I was talking recently with Caroline Garcia and Borja Duran on the Tennis Insider Club podcast about a key milestone in my career. I was coaching Marcos Baghdatis in a Challenger in November 2004, early on in his career. He went to the final, and was up against the world No 14, Dominik Hrbaty, playing at home. At the time, he was ranked around No 200 in the world. His opponent, a former French Open semi-finalist, was better than him in all aspects. Hrbaty also got off to a better start, gaining a double break early in the first set. I thought to myself: this is going to be tough. And yet, Marcos ended up winning. That day, I was a very bad coach because I didn't believe enough in my player. Marcos found a way; he wanted it more, and believed in himself, even when I didn’t. The only explanation was his competitive edge. He taught me a lesson I’ll never forget: that anything is possible on a tennis court. This was the same thing that caught my eye when I first saw Stefanos Tsitsipas play on YouTube as a 16-year-old. Sure, he hit the ball fantastic, but Stefanos’ standout feature was how competitive he was. He had that deep desire to win, and belief that it was possible. This asset is not called forehand, or serve, not even mental or physical: it's called competitiveness. It's the ability to find a way to win the point, win the game, the set, the match, even if you are not necessarily stronger than your opponent. Like all qualities, you can develop and work on it, but the ones who have it naturally have huge potential. As I shared with Caroline and Borja, Roger Federer recently shared a crazy stat in a commencement speech at Dartmouth University: even the greatest players in the world only win between 52 and 54 percent of points in their careers. The winner of a tennis match often comes down to one or two key points that shift momentum. Players that are fiercely competitive find a way to be the ones who win these points. #PatrickMouratoglou #tenniscompetitor #playeranalysis #tennis #sport

The game between USA and Serbia was an absolutely stunning game. Team USA capitalised on every opportunity, showing a relentless determination to overpower Serbia. The final quarter was an absolute stunner, with Curry's outstanding performance and LeBron's leadership playing pivotal roles. There are so many lessons to learn from this match and the group of elite athletes involved. We often acknowledge the top-notch class of Team USA, with each player being an NBA All-Star now representing their country. But this wasn’t just an exhibition game where they take turns showcasing monstrous dunks or long-range three-pointers. Every point counted, and the stakes were high. They had everything to lose—their fame, their glory, and their reputation. The way the team played reminded me of the team management—leadership, trust, and emotion. LeBron stepped up and led the way, especially on defense, using his experience and vocal presence to shut down Jokic. When the situation demanded it, he rose to the occasion, exemplifying true leadership. The team trusted each other, believing that everyone would do their job, whether it was taking a crucial shot or making a defensive stand. Despite being behind at times, they protected the paint, attacked from range, and played with a controlled tempo and patience, always looking for the right moment to strike. It’s been a while since we’ve seen such an exciting basketball match. These players, rivals in the NBA, came together as teammates with a common goal. It wasn’t just about watching an All-Star performances; it was about seeing how competitive and driven they are to win. For now, let’s savor every moment of this elite team for the very last time. The next Olympic Games will never be the same. #teamUSA #basketball #NBA #FIBA #Olympics

'Winners play fearlessly' Dayana Yastremska discusses her mindset change to 'fearless tennis' in her two-set victory over Victoria Azarenka in Round 4 of the 2024 Australian Open. When we adopt a proactive approach on the court, moving aggressively to the front foot, it not only creates a sense of control but also imposes pressure on opponents. The psychological impact of taking charge of rallies, stepping into the court, and executing shots with intent can be profound. As we consistently choose to dictate play, it instils a mindset of confidence and assertiveness, influencing both our perception of the game and that of our opponents. Playing aggressive tennis is inherently empowering, boosting our self-esteem and mental resilience. The willingness to seize opportunities, hit winners, and dictate the match's tempo reflects a proactive mindset that transcends the physical aspects of the game. It fosters a positive feedback loop wherein successful aggression reinforces the belief in our abilities, leading to increased motivation and focus. The psychological impact also extends beyond individual performance, affecting the dynamics of the match. Opponents may feel the pressure of the relentless attack, potentially leading to unforced errors and a sense of being on the defensive. The psychological boost derived from this aggression goes beyond shot-making. It becomes a strategic and mental advantage that can tilt the balance of a match in favour of the assertive player. #fear #fearlessness #tennis

Football or soccer? The terms "football" and "soccer" both refer to the same sport, but their usage varies depending on the region. The distinction between the two terms arose primarily due to historical linguistic differences and the evolution of the sport in various countries. The term "football" originated in England and referred to any game played on foot where the ball was kicked, as opposed to games played on horseback, such as polo. Over time, different variations of the game emerged, each with its own set of rules. In England, the version of football that evolved into modern association football (soccer) became popular, while in other countries, variations such as rugby football and American football gained prominence. In the late 19th century, to distinguish between different forms of football, the term "soccer" was coined as an abbreviation of "association football," derived from the "assoc" in "Association Football." This term gained popularity in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and others, where other forms of football, like American football or Canadian football, were more prevalent. So, while both terms refer to the same sport, "football" is commonly used in countries where association football is the dominant form of the game, while "soccer" is more prevalent in regions where other forms of football are popular, or to differentiate it from other football codes within the same country. #copaamerica #Hispanicsinsights #consumerinsights

Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, and Antonio Nusa are just a few of Norway's notable top athletes, capturing the attention of football fans worldwide with their exceptional skills and performances. Undoubtedly, the Norwegian Eliteserien has become a breeding ground for young prospects who possess the technical abilities and tactical awareness to succeed at the highest level - take a look at this comprehensive tactical analysis and scout report by Total Football Analysis: https://lnkd.in/dJV2NJn5 #footballanalytics #footballanalysis #footballdata

Is the 2024 USA Men's Basketball team worse than the 1992 Dream team? Well, on paper, they are. But I don't think so. 🏀⛹️ In 1992, USA's Dream Team dominated Olympic #basketball. They destroyed their competition, with an average win margin of 44 points a game. Their closest competition was Croatia, and in the gold medal game, team USA had won 117-85. Though the 2024 team did secure gold in Paris, their story wasn't quite the same. Winning by an average of 19 points a game, with an insane comeback against Serbia in the semifinals - it definitely wasn't a walk in the park. Does that mean they are worse though? Absolutely not. Since 1992, basketball has become a lot more accessible. What was once an American dominated sport, has become world wide, and with the NBA's global initiatives, more and more talent is coming from overseas. And just like the game, software has evolved dramatically since 1992. That same All-Star #software that you drafted when you started the company, would be a bench player to the team you've assembled now. So keep your options open. Don't be afraid to make trades. You don't want to miss the chance to draft a franchise player. Also, this is a totally personal question, but if you are a basketball fan, who do you think is the GOAT? 🐐 #olympics

The state of Indian tennis is in focus after the recent Davis Cup tie in Sweden. I believe real progress will come from strengthening the country's tennis system to match top nations, which will naturally lead to better results. In my playing experience, the Davis Cup support staff engaged with the team for about 21 days a year (typically 3 ties a year for about 7 days each). But how does this compare to nations performing at the highest level? Benchmarking such practices across various layers of Indian tennis will provide insight into where improvements are needed. The organizational and governance structure is another aspect to consider. For instance, Tennis Australia has a CEO position for the professional management of the game in the country. Building a strong system will require experience in tennis along with solid organizational and management skills. With the right leadership in place creating a system that supports all levels from grassroots to elite, will drive long-term success. #indiantennis

The National Basketball Association (NBA) have started to explore the option of starting their own league in Europe after the popularity in the region is at an all time high. It has been reported that the NBA have held talks with the International Basketball Federation (Fiba) and Euroleague Basketball to discuss ways to increase the growth of the sport in Europe. The Raine Group were hired by the NBA in February to explore potential opportunities in the continent as strategic investors. According to Sportico, projections from the Raine Group estimate that the annual revenue of the basketball network in Europe and the Middle East could be worth up to $3bn. In the NBA, there were a record number of European players (64) on team rosters in the 2023/24 season. The likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić and the recently drafted Victor Wembanyama are the biggest stars from Europe in the NBA at the moment. These stars are making the NBA the most popular it has been in Europe arguably ever. The money is there for the taking, and the fans are waiting. So will the NBA finalise the deal and make the move overseas? #nba #euroleague #basketball #giannis #lukadoncic #nikolajokic #wembanyama

🏀 The Olympic Basketball Showdown: Can These 3 Teams Challenge Team USA for Gold? 🏆 As we approach the 2024 Paris Olympics, the excitement around men’s basketball is palpable. Team USA, boasting a roster of elite NBA talent, is the heavy favorite to secure gold. However, the landscape of international basketball is evolving, and three teams are emerging as serious contenders to challenge the American dominance. 1. Canada: 🇨🇦 Canada has shown impressive form with a perfect 3-0 record so far, defeating Greece, Australia, and Spain. Led by RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jamal Murray, this Canadian squad combines young talent with seasoned experience, posing a significant threat to Team USA. 2. Germany: 🇩🇪 Germany, also undefeated with a 3-0 record, has impressed with victories over Japan, Brazil, and France. Dennis Schröder, Franz Wagner, and Daniel Theis are key players contributing to their success. Germany’s tactical approach and strong defense could make them a formidable opponent. 3. Serbia: 🇷🇸 Despite a narrow loss to Team USA, Serbia remains a powerful contender with a 2-1 record. Led by Nikola Jokić, Serbia’s resilience and strategic play could turn the tide in their favor. Jokić’s exceptional performance and leadership are crucial to their success. Why It Matters: With these teams showing strong performances and potential, the path to gold for Team USA is far from guaranteed. The international basketball landscape is increasingly competitive, and these teams are equipped to challenge the American supremacy. Your Insights: Which of these teams do you think has the best chance to upset Team USA? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments! Stay Connected: For more insights and updates on Olympic basketball and other sports analyses, follow [Your LinkedIn Profile/Company Page]. #Basketball #Olympics2024 #TeamUSA #CanadaBasketball #GermanyBasketball #SerbiaBasketball #SportsAnalysis #NBA #OlympicGames #BasketballNews #SportsLeadership #InternationalBasketball #GoldMedalRace #SportsInsight #LinkedInSports

Five sports were added to the 2028 Los Angeles Games by the International Olympic Committee: cricket, flag football, baseball-softball, lacrosse, and squash. Adding cricket to the Olympic program is expected to raise India’s broadcasting rights for the IOC by more than $100 million. Flag football and baseball-softball could put NFL and MLB players on the Olympic stage in five years. Adding new sports to the Olympics helps keep the games fresh. Sports should replicate games currently played globally, not in ancient Greece in ancient times. https://lnkd.in/efrs7m_i.