Roger Federer Offers Insightful Advice to Swiss SailGP Driver Sébastien Schneiter on Handling Pressure
Geneva, Switzerland – Tennis legend Roger Federer has shared his wisdom with rising SailGP star Sébastien Schneiter, offering advice on navigating the intense pressure of high-stakes competition. The conversation,captured in SailGPS behind-the-scenes docuseries Racing on the Edge,reveals Federer’s thoughtful approach to performance under pressure - a quality that defined his own illustrious career.
Ahead of their meeting, Federer was asked what he would tell Schneiter, who was facing challenges in his role as driver for the Swiss F50. Federer’s response centered on reframing pressure as a positive force.
“I would probably tell Seb to embrace the pressure to remind him that that’s where he always wanted to be,” Federer said. “So now he’s the driver of his boat. He can take decisions. You are the decision maker, which is a privilege, you know, not everybody gets to take decisions in life, or in your field. So, try to turn it into a positive.”
During their direct conversation, Schneiter sought guidance on making challenging calls during races. Federer emphasized the importance of experience in honing decision-making skills.
“pressure creates good and bad decision-making,” Federer explained, “and what’s important is how you deal with those pressure moments. I think the more you do it, and the more you’re in it, the better you start taking those decisions.”
Federer also acknowledged the role of anxiety,suggesting it’s a natural and even beneficial response to high-pressure situations. “It’s good to be excited, it’s good to be nervous because it means you care, you share the passion,” he stated.”The worst would be oh yeah, no problem let’s just take a super important decision and feel no feelings about it, you know.”
The advice from the 20-time Grand Slam champion offers a compelling insight into the mental fortitude required to excel at the highest level of sport. For Schneiter, and aspiring athletes everywhere, Federer’s words serve as a powerful reminder that pressure isn’t somthing to be feared, but rather embraced as a catalyst for growth and success.
Keywords: Roger Federer, Sébastien Schneiter, SailGP, Sailing, Tennis, Sports Psychology, Pressure, Decision Making, *Racing on the Edge
