'You have to be a slave to the game . . . ultimately you won't have a life'.

The new Netflix series, 'Carlos Alcaraz - My Way', gives a glimpse of the pressure on top level ATP tour players and, in particular, the mental resilience of a 20 year old striving to cement a place among the greats of the game.

The sacrifice is huge. Giving up your teenage years and your twenties for the single minded pursuit of a prize or legacy which is inherently uncertain.

Knowing your 'why' on a deep level therefore becomes vital. 

The series also shows the benefits of a strong family support network and the team integrating with them wherever the schedule allows. A tennis player is rarely in the same place for more than 3 weeks and so retaining some level of continuity and stability can make a big difference to mental well-being and, in turn, performance on the court.

As Federer notes, 'you have to enjoy the journey'. Otherwise, as Rafa notes 'once going to the tennis court becomes an obligation, you're going to have a problem'.