Learning Speech craft from the classy Australian Open acceptance Speeches
The first Grand Slam of the tennis year, the Australian Open 2022, has just wrapped up. Thus, your news feed is filling up with Rafael Nadal’s record 21st Grand Slam Singles title and Ash Barty’s first Australian win in the singles category in over four decades. The tournament was historic — with the nail-biting men’s singles final between Nadal and Medvedev adding a whole new level of thrill to the game.
While the matches are spellbinding, there is something special about the award ceremony and the acceptance speeches after the championship match. Emotions are running high, and to express these emotions into words balancing between gratitude, humility, and being a sportsperson must be tough. For many players, English is not their first language. And to deliver a speech after hours on the court is no easy task. Despite these challenges, tennis champions have delivered some memorable acceptance speeches, and this year is no different.
Medvedev takes it with Humor
Starting with the men’s singles finalist, Daniil Medvedev, because it is never easy to deliver the runner ups speech, especially after that close-calling match. Nothing rings more true in the moment than the adage — so near and yet so far away. And yet Medvedev pulled his inner stealth to deliver a classy speech sprinkled with humor and emotion. He starts by putting himself into the context: Tough to talk after 5 hours 30 and losing. A few seconds later, we hear his awe of Nadal’s prowess with a touch of humor. ‘Are you tired?’ he asks Nadal, building a bridge between himself, his now victorious opponent, and the audience. Talking about the physical toll the match takes on players is relatable, especially after the grueling match that just ended.
The best part of Medvedev’s acceptance speech is the self-deprecating humor he brings while thanking his team and family, talking about a ‘broken TV’ and if his family is still watching after the loss. Writer David Sedaris says anything can be funny if you give it time. And Medvedev took this rather painful and difficult loss with a slice of humor. Take a bow, Daniil Medvedev.
Details add the charm to Collins’ Speech
Danielle Collins, the women’s singles finalist, left everyone listening feeling fuzzy and warm with her acceptance speech. It is the details that make it charming. Driving with the volunteers, having coffee in the morning, and working with the physiologists and medical staff — these specific details bring her speech to life, complementing her emotional state and genuineness. Filled with friendship and connection, she concludes by mentioning her victorious rival Ash Barty, bringing her speech to a full circle. Classy move, Collins.
Barty’s Aussie Context
Ashleigh Barty dabs into the Aussie spirit as she thanks the organizers and the people who made the tournament possible. She has been a dominating force, always keeping her cool, and she does the same in her acceptance speech. Barty had to wait till the cheers from the crowd subsided, and she did look a bit stumped starting her acceptance speech saying she was at loss for words. The focus of her speech remained the team, the people, and of course, Australia — very apt for the first singles home champion in 44 years. Barty, Party!
Nadal balances between Achievement and Humility
It’s a pleasure to hear Rafael Nadal — he’s unintentionally funny, humble, and radiates the spirit of the very game he plays. He starts with a greeting that turns humorous as he can’t remember if it’s evening or morning given the 5 hours plus match he’s just had. The touching moment arrives right afterward when he takes on the senior’s role and empathizes with Medvedev’s loss, sharing his own experience of losing championship matches.
The best part of Nadal’s speech is perhaps the balance he strikes between his achievements and the gratitude he has for everyone around him. It is a historic moment — his record 21st Grand Slam single, the highest ever in the men’s singles, and yet it is Nadal’s humility that shines through. It is about him, but it is also about everything else that has brought him there. Leaving the audience at the end with a sneak peek into the future, he says — One month and a half (ago), I will probably say that maybe there is a chance that’s gonna be my last Australian Open, but now that’s plenty of energy to keep going. Vamos Rafa!
Special Mention: Dylan Alcott’s heart warming farewell
Dylan Alcott has been the face of wheelchair tennis, promoting the game and the ability of the disabled to live a fulfilling life. He was playing his final Australian Open before retiring. While Alcott did not win the championship match, he did give everyone watching a wonderful time in the game and a heartwarming farewell speech. His advocacy for the disabled continued in his final speech on the court. ‘See how many people with disability are here,’ Alcott asks as he points towards the audience, and everyone bursts into a loud cheer. His struggles and gratitude for his support system and the wider community stand crystal clear in his acceptance and farewell speech. More power to you, Dylan!
One of my favorite acceptance speeches at the Australian Open is from 2017 by Roger Federer. The line — Tennis is a tough sport; there’s no draws, but if there was gonna be one, I would have been very happy to accept a draw tonight and share it with Rafa, says it all.
While we may not be storming the tennis court like these super athletes, we can certainly learn the art of speech crafting from these champions. Some of the tips include — staying calm under pressure, remaining true to who we are, and enjoying the moment with details, humor, emotion, and context.
Will we see more amazing matches and hear more heartfelt speeches at the Roland Garros? Let’s head to summer and find out.
