Yesterday was the women’s final of the French Open tennis tournament.  It is a “Grand Slam”, one of the four most important competitions.

Mirra Andreeva of Russia defeated Maja Chwalinska of Poland.  Maja wasn’t high enough ranked to get into the tournament.  So she had to play three qualifying matches, and then six more to reach the final.

Both Maja and Mirra are heroes for me, not because of their tennis exploits but because of what they said after the match.

Gracious in Victory

“Of course first of all congrats to Maja for these amazing three weeks, passing through qualies, winning so many matches,” said Andreeva.  “Beating so many great players, congrats to your team as well.”

“You guys have done an amazing job, amazing work.  You are a very tricky opponent.  I would not want to play against you one more time!  I wish you the best of luck for the rest of the season and I hope we play many more finals together in the future.”

Gracious in Defeat

“First of all congrats to Mirra.  You’re such an incredible player.  You’re so young and talented, it’s so annoying 😂😂😂.  Congrats to you and your team for an amazing job.  I wish you all the best for the future.”

“I wish you could see a better match today, but Mirra was just too good for me so I guess it’s her fault,” Chwalinska said laughing to the crowd during her finalist’s speech.

***

Smiles, laughing, appreciation of the opponent

It’s called “we” rather than “me”

What the world needs