More Than a Tennis Match: Leadership Lessons from the French Open

I watched the French Open women’s final between Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka. Sabalenka entered the match as the favorite and started strong, taking the first set. But then, the weather changed; winds picked up in Paris, shifting the dynamics on the court. The ball’s speed and movement became unpredictable, challenging both athletes.

Sabalenka became visibly unsettled by the conditions. Frustration crept in; her body language shifted, and she seemed to fixate on what was not working. As the match wore on, her focus slipped further away from her game and more onto the obstacles.

Coco Gauff responded differently. Even when points did not go her way, she stayed positive and composed. She adjusted her strategy, refined her serves, and kept her energy up. As momentum shifted, commentators noticed: Gauff’s resilience and attitude were changing the match. From a set down, she fought back, winning the next two sets and securing her first French Open title.

Watching that match, I could not help but think about leadership. Too often, leaders get stuck focusing on setbacks or circumstances they cannot control, losing sight of the bigger picture and missing chances to grow. The best leaders, like Gauff, learn from every challenge and keep looking for the next opportunity—no matter how tough things get. They inspire their teams to stay motivated, adapt to change, and move forward.

There will always be factors outside our control. What matters is how we respond, with resilience, optimism, and the determination to see every challenge as a steppingstone toward future success.

The next win is always ahead.