Masculinity comes from your look, all the way down to your

Host: The room feels calm, with the soft evening light creating a peaceful, almost reflective atmosphere. Outside, the world continues its usual rhythm, but inside, the atmosphere feels focused, as though a conversation about strength, identity, and sport is about to unfold. Jeeny sits at the table, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her cup, her expression thoughtful. Jack stands near the window, arms crossed, watching the street below.

Jeeny: (her voice gentle, but filled with curiosity) “You ever think about how much identity, especially in sports, is tied to how we present ourselves? Not just in terms of physical strength, but in our attitude, our confidence?”

Jack: (glancing over at her, his voice dry, but intrigued) “Identity and sports? Yeah, it’s funny how a lot of athletes, especially in individual sports, have to show a certain kind of presence—how their look and their attitude can influence how they’re perceived. What got you thinking about it?”

Jeeny: (nodding slowly, a small smile forming as she shares her thought) “I was thinking about something Milos Raonic said: ‘Masculinity comes from your look, all the way down to your attitude. It’s a big part of being a tennis player. Even though tennis is a fairly friendly sport, intimidation is still a big part of it.’ It made me reflect on how much of a role personal presence and confidence play in competitive sports, and how athletes use that to their advantage.”

Jack: (pauses, considering her words carefully) “So, he’s saying that masculinity—how you present yourself physically and mentally—plays a big role in tennis, even though it’s seen as a more friendly or individualistic sport? That part of being successful is showing an attitude that can intimidate others, especially in a sport that’s more about the mental game?”

Jeeny: (smiling more deeply now, her eyes steady as she explains further) “Exactly. Raonic is pointing out that, while tennis may be friendly and even cooperative, there’s still a psychological element that goes into how players are perceived. The way you carry yourself, the confidence you exude, can make a huge difference in how your opponents react to you. It’s not just about physical skill; it’s about having the mental edge, and a big part of that comes from presenting yourself in a way that’s strong, confident, and sometimes even intimidating.”

Host: Jeeny’s words seem to linger in the room, a quiet reflection on the relationship between self-image, confidence, and competition. Jack stands still, his expression softening as he processes the deeper meaning behind Raonic’s statement. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, the conversation feels rooted in a more nuanced understanding of sports and identity.

Jack: (his voice quieter now, almost reflective) “I see what he means. In sports like tennis, where the mental game is so important, how you present yourself—your look, your attitude—becomes part of your strategy. Confidence can be as powerful as skill because it influences how your opponent perceives you and how they perform.”

Jeeny: (nodding, her voice calm, yet filled with quiet strength) “Exactly. The mental aspect of sports is just as important as the physical. How you present yourself, the confidence you show, can alter the entire dynamic of the game. It’s about using your presence to get into your opponent’s head and create an advantage, even before the match begins.”

Jack: (pauses, a small smile forming on his face as the idea settles in) “It’s interesting, isn’t it? How much of sports is about mental preparation, how we manage perception—both our own and others’. It’s not just about showing up with the right skills, but with the right mindset, with a presence that conveys strength and confidence.”

Jeeny: (smiling warmly, her voice gentle, yet filled with wisdom) “Exactly. In any sport, especially individual ones like tennis, your presence and mindset play a huge role in shaping how the game unfolds. It’s about owning the space you’re in, being aware of your influence, and using that mental edge to push yourself and your opponent further.”

Host: The room feels lighter now, as though the conversation has shifted into a deeper understanding of the role that identity, confidence, and mindset play in sports. Jack turns from the window, his posture more relaxed, his thoughts clearly reflecting on the importance of mental preparation and self-presentation in athletic success. Jeeny watches him, content in the realization that success in sports isn’t just about physical ability—it’s about how you present yourself mentally, with confidence, presence, and attitude. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, there’s a shared recognition that the mental game is just as powerful as the physical one.