The Ancient Sport That Even John McEnroe Struggles With – And What It Can Teach Us About Business

Have you ever heard of real tennis?

No, not the one you see at the US Open, but the real real tennis – the sport that’s been around for over 800 years. It’s so old that kings used to play it in their palaces, and so niche that even John McEnroe, yes, the John McEnroe, reportedly isn’t great at it.

I stumbled upon an article recently that shed light on this fascinating world. The reigning champ, Robert Fahey, has dominated the sport for decades, but you’d never guess it by his lifestyle—flying coach, sleeping on friends’ couches, and playing in tournaments that definitely don’t have the prize money of Wimbledon! It made me think: sometimes, it’s the unsung heroes who exhibit the kind of dedication we all strive for in our careers.

Much like the world of business, real tennis is full of odd rules, strange bounces, and unexpected challenges. It’s a sport that requires patience, skill, and a willingness to adapt to unpredictable situations. Sound familiar? That’s because, whether you’re leading a team, starting a new business, or trying to stay ahead in your field, the ability to navigate the unexpected is what sets successful people apart.

Here’s the kicker:

Robert Fahey, a 56-year-old British-Australian, became the real tennis legend by staying on top of his game—literally—for decades. This isn’t about chasing fame or fortune, but about mastering your craft and sticking with it no matter how obscure or niche it may be.

I think there’s a lesson in that for all of us. In business, as in real tennis, it’s not always about being in the spotlight or winning big overnight. It’s about persistence, continuous learning, and being the best at what you do, even when the world might not fully understand it.

If John McEnroe struggles with real tennis, maybe there’s hope for the rest of us trying to master the challenges in our own fields! Whether you’re dealing with shifting markets, managing difficult projects, or simply trying to stay ahead of your inbox (we’ve all been there!), take a page from the book of real tennis champions—keep swinging, stay adaptable, and remember that success doesn’t always come with a trophy, but it definitely comes with hard work.

Here’s to all the unsung heroes and the champions in our own industries, who may not always get the headlines but certainly have the skills. Who knows—maybe real tennis will make a comeback in the business world. If nothing else, it’s a reminder that sometimes the most rewarding games are the ones people don’t even know about.

Author

Don Noble, a Partner at the Florida CFO Group and the owner and founder of Accelebron, has an extensive background in financial leadership and advisory roles. Leveraging his wealth of experience, he collaborates with businesses to optimize their financial and technological strategies, fostering growth and resilience in a dynamic marketplace. Don is also a doctoral student studying CFO leadership at Liberty University. You can also visit Don’s LinkedIn Profile for more information.

Reference

Spencer Jakab (2024, September 30). He’s the Real Tennis Champion of the World. Why Won’t Anyone Believe Him? WSJ. https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/real-tennis-champions-mcenroe-4b930d8c