''Women's tennis is limited by what they mentally are achieving, and I think the men's game is more about the tennis. And if Sam can make it about the tennis, her tennis is good. Maybe the tennis is good enough to be [number] one in the world. If Caroline has reached that point, why not Sam? I think Sam is maybe more explosive, Caroline is better mentally, you could say, and if Sam can improve that part, she's got the tennis. She's top five, for sure, tennis [wise]; maybe not top five mentally at the moment.''
-- Dave Taylor, before Sam beat Caro. If that's what he's willing to tell the press I wonder what he actually says to her face. No wonder she's freaked out all the time.
Not that he's wrong. I mean...really. Besides, I would much rather have a coach who told me like it is rather than blow sunshine up my ass.
And no, that wasn't an accidental choice of words.
But thankfully, Sam's got friends like Frank:
''I think always before to win a grand slam you have to be a big person inside. A champion inside is not just tennis, forehand and backhand. So Sam is [a] fantastic person. She has the mentality part that she can do it. At the end of the match I say to her 'I played very good', but she has for sure the chance to win one day a grand slam. Of course, she has to work harder every day, but is good way for Sam.''
From your mouth to Sam's ears, Frankie.
And yes, this was just an excuse to post that picture.
