By Emilio Sanchez Vicario, CEO at Emilio Sanchez Academy and ES Academy Marketing Team
Dear Andy,
How incredible it was to see after your recent announcement all the recognition of who you are, your career, your triumphs, but above all your legacy. The truth is that there are no words to describe it.
If we look back, way back, I see you walking along the mulberry tree walk of our tennis academy with your mother, Judy, the day you came to visit the academy recommended by Rafa Nadal.
I must admit that when your mother was talking to me, I was thinking, “no chance, I don’t know what she sees”, after seeing you walking looking at the ground with those skinny, crooked legs. I looked at you and you didn’t pay any attention. When we approached court number 3, I remember it perfectly, and we started to play, your shy look was still unimpressive, but when we started to play together, your face changed, your fang appeared, and above all I was impressed by how you knew how to get out of difficult situations when I pushed you. Your counterattack was brutal and my opinion began to change. Then you started to look at me as if you were superior, as if you were challenging me, I loved that. I talked to Judy and I told her “I want him to stay, I think we can help him”. I also loved seeing how clear Judy was about it, separating the brothers, getting Andy to improve mobility for his type of play. Great decisions at the right times.
Your stay had its ups and downs but you always took steps to improve your level. You spent all your puberty in Barcelona, you became very culé, you also made great friends, later referents in tennis like Dani Valverdu (top coach after your chance), Maria Garcia Planas (AtP director) and as I always explain to everyone who came to see you in tournaments you always treated them like family. Tennis-wise you evolved, physically you developed and mentally you became an Englishman with the heart-mind of a Spaniard. Your junior Slam showed that you had that gene to make a difference in the key points. Our work to make you a tennis player, not a title player, but one who lives tennis 24/7 like the Spaniards paid off quickly. You learned to be resilient, different, tireless fighter, professional, humble and above all defender of lost causes, always making the difference with small details. For me, watching you compete, following you all these past 20 years has filled me with inspiration, since all the efforts made by you, your mother and our tennis academy were reflected in those moments of success.
You are a number one in giving more than what you can give, that’s why you have been able to come back from those complex situations caused by your injuries and you have been able to play again when nobody thought you could, and you have done it at the highest level, again and again.
That way of being, of living life makes you very prepared for this next chapter of your life, you can choose what to do, and I hope you continue in our world, that you find something to which you can put the same passion as playing. Nevertheless, if you choose a different path, I’m sure you will shine and make a difference thanks to that mentality and determination that you carry with you.
Two years ago you came back to our tennis academy and we honored you with a court with your name on it, certainly you have earned the title of the student who has reached the top, to be number one in the world, and who has made a difference by achieving incredible milestones, such as breaking the spell for an Englishman to win at Wimbledon, also winning the Davis Cup and 2 Olympics. Unbelievable, who would have said it that day. I personally, as well as the academy where you grew up, admire you, and that day we thanked you in a small way for the powerful legacy you left with us. You are an example, a mirror, a guide and an illusion for the kids who know that, if you work hard, you can become a tennis player, and you can achieve your dreams as you did. We will always keep your story alive, which is also ours. Thank you, Andy, whenever you want this will always be your home.
