The more mental strength you have, the better. If you look at

Hear the voice of Kevin Anderson, a warrior of the tennis court, who declared with quiet gravity: “The more mental strength you have, the better. If you look at some of the best players that we have seen over the years and that I have been playing with, mentally they are the best competitors as well, something I have worked hard on.” In these words lies a truth older than the games of men: that battles are won not only by the power of the body, but by the strength of the mind. Muscles may fail, stamina may waver, but the spirit that endures, unshaken in the midst of trial, carries the day.

The origin of this saying lies in Anderson’s own journey as a professional athlete. He faced not only towering opponents, but also the endless grind of training, injury, and recovery. He knew well that physical skill alone could not keep a man at the heights of competition. What distinguishes champions is not merely the swiftness of the arm or the power of the serve, but the ability to remain steady under pressure, to master fear, to recover after defeat, and to rise again when the body screams for surrender. Thus, Anderson speaks of mental strength as the truest weapon of the competitor.

History gives us mirrors of this wisdom. Consider the tale of Winston Churchill, who in the darkest days of the Second World War stood against despair. Britain’s resources were strained, its cities bombed, its armies driven back. Yet Churchill’s unyielding mental strength rallied a nation when hope seemed lost. His words—calm, defiant, resolute—became weapons as mighty as any fleet. Here we see the same principle Anderson proclaims: the greatest victories are born not from power alone, but from the mind that refuses to yield.

The heart of this teaching lies in the nature of competition itself. Whether on the field, in the court, or in the trials of life, moments come when the body is spent, when defeat whispers in the ear. In such moments, the weak-minded crumble, but the strong-minded endure. The one who has trained his spirit to withstand pressure will rise above the moment, while the one who has neglected his mind will fall, even if his body is strong. Thus, mental strength is not decoration—it is the very foundation of victory.

Anderson also reminds us that mental strength can be cultivated. It is not the gift of a few chosen souls, but the reward of those who train themselves in patience, discipline, and resilience. He admits he has worked hard on it, just as one builds muscle or skill. This is a call to all who struggle: do not despair if your mind wavers, for through practice, reflection, and endurance, you too may fortify your spirit. Mental strength is not inherited—it is forged in fire.

Think also of the story of Nelson Mandela, imprisoned for twenty-seven years. His body was confined, his freedom stripped away, yet his mind remained unbroken. When at last he emerged, he carried no hatred, but a vision for unity and peace. His mental strength not only preserved his own spirit but transformed a nation. Such is the power of the unyielding mind: it transcends even the shackles of the body and becomes a force that reshapes the world.

The lesson for us is plain: if you would be victorious in life, cultivate your mental strength. Train your body, yes, but also your mind. In hardship, practice endurance; in failure, practice resilience; in success, practice humility. Seek out small challenges daily, and use them to build the fortress of your spirit. For when the great storms come—and they will—it is not the strongest of body, but the strongest of mind, who will stand firm.

Thus, O seeker, remember Kevin Anderson’s wisdom: the greatest competitors are not only skilled, but mentally strong. Let your spirit be tempered like steel, your will unshaken, your mind steadfast in trial. For the battles of life are not won by power alone, but by the calm and enduring strength of the soul. This is the secret of champions, the legacy of heroes, and the gift you may claim for yourself through perseverance.