Meaning: Boris Becker, a retired German professional tennis player, made the statement, "I was in the tennis bubble. I wasn't thinking about the big picture. I didn't notice what they said on television, I wasn't reading any papers. I had a coach and a manager, and they kept me in the bubble." This quote sheds light on the intense focus and single-minded dedication that athletes often have towards their sport, to the exclusion of outside influences.

Becker's reference to the "tennis bubble" encapsulates the all-consuming nature of professional sports. Athletes like Becker often find themselves immersed in a world where their entire existence revolves around their training, competitions, and the pursuit of excellence in their chosen discipline. This level of dedication and focus is necessary for achieving success at the highest levels of athletic competition.

The phrase "I wasn't thinking about the big picture" reflects Becker's mindset during his career. It suggests that he was wholly absorbed in the immediate demands of his sport and the pursuit of victory, often at the expense of broader considerations or external distractions. This intense focus on the present moment is a common trait among elite athletes, who must channel their energy and attention towards their training and performance.

Becker's admission that he "didn't notice what they said on television, [and] wasn't reading any papers" underscores the deliberate isolation that many athletes choose to maintain. By avoiding media coverage and external commentary, athletes can shield themselves from distractions and potential negativity that could impact their mindset and performance. This intentional avoidance of outside influences allows athletes to maintain their mental focus and prevent external pressures from affecting their performance.

The mention of having a coach and a manager who kept him in the bubble highlights the support system that many athletes rely on. Coaches and managers play a crucial role in shielding athletes from external distractions and providing the guidance and support needed to excel in their sport. They act as gatekeepers, managing the athlete's interactions with the outside world and ensuring that their focus remains squarely on their training and competition.

In broader terms, Becker's quote offers insight into the sacrifices and lifestyle choices that professional athletes make in pursuit of their goals. The "tennis bubble" represents the insular world in which athletes live, where their entire existence revolves around their sport. This singular focus often comes at the expense of personal time, relationships, and other pursuits, as athletes dedicate themselves fully to their athletic endeavors.

Furthermore, Becker's acknowledgment of being kept in the bubble by his coach and manager sheds light on the level of control and discipline that is necessary for success in professional sports. Athletes willingly submit to the guidance and direction of their support team, entrusting them to manage their affairs and shield them from external pressures. This level of trust and dependency underscores the symbiotic relationship between athletes and their support networks.

In conclusion, Boris Becker's quote provides a poignant glimpse into the world of professional sports and the intense focus and dedication that athletes bring to their craft. The "tennis bubble" symbolizes the insular world in which athletes live, shielded from external distractions and fully immersed in the pursuit of their athletic goals. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and lifestyle choices that athletes make, often with the unwavering support of their coaches and managers, in the relentless pursuit of sporting excellence.