‘You Lost by Numbers..’- Andre Agassi’s Late Coach’s Rousing Speech Goes Viral As His ’Words of Wisdom’ Gets Cherished

It can be safely said that Nick Bollettieri revolutionized tennis, and not just in the way of training future stars in the sport. He also defined the way reinforcement worked. He motivated his players to push themselves to be at their best and rewarded their performance irrespective of the results. This led to the grooming of legendary tennis players like Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, Maria Sharapova, Monica Seles, and the Williams sisters, among others.

So, a video has taken Twitter by storm where Bollettieri talks about the change of perspective the parents need to take in regard to their children. Instead of being result-oriented, he sent a message of a journey-oriented approach to them.

Nick Bollettieri once issued a strict warning to parents

The legendary tennis coach changed the face of the sport. He was the first one to establish a training academy where the players stayed in boarding facilities. This made them more invested in the sport and improved their overall game. Furthermore, being a passionate tennis coach, Bollettieri, always kept one thing as his priority: to encourage his players.

In an old speech, Bollettieri started with an anecdote where when he used to come back from school, his grandmother let him play. However, things have changed in the present scenario. So, he said strictly to today’s parents, “You people, be honest.” He mimicked them and said, “Did you get an A today son? Did you get an A today dear? Coaching, did you win today?” With a strictness in his voice, he said, “Are you kidding me? You don’t judge people by just what the scoreboard says. You judge people by the effort that they put into doing things.”

Amidst a thunder of claps, he said, “And even if the scoreboard says, “You lost by numbers”, you can play for me.”

READ MORE: Andre Agassi, Who Shared an Emotional Relationship With Nick Bollettieri, Paid a Heart-Felt Tribute Alongside Coco Gauff – ‘He Gave Me a Chance…’

Although he never played professional tennis, Nick Bollettieri became a part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame as a ‘contributor’ to the sport.

Martina Navratilova, Andre Agassi, Maria Sharapova, and Coco Gauff paid their tribute to Bollettieri

The legendary coach became an inspiring figure in the tennis world. When Bollettieri passed away earlier this month, the entire tennis world sent its tribute to one of the founding fathers of modern-day tennis coaching. Navratilova hailed him for his contribution and personality, while the American teenage sensation Coco Gauff also hailed the coach and shared a picture of the two at her first Grand Slam tournament.

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Moreover, his students, Andre Agassi and Maria Sharapova, paid heartfelt tributes to the coach, who played a major role in the growth of their talents and careers.