It’s not racket science: why Wimbledon players use inspirational slogans

The motivational phrases beloved of sportspeople might seem trite, but for players from Katie Boulter and Andy Murray to Arthur Ashe, they're surprisingly important

Katie Boulter can console herself that, while she could not beat a player 178 places further up the rankings, her Wimbledon dream did not end because she lacked motivation. There it was, in bold words, underlined for good measure, on a folded piece of paper.

"YOU DESERVE THIS - Focus," the 20-year-old read quietly during breaks in her grand slam debut on Tuesday. "Trust yourself and trust your game ... Play the match like it's the last match of your life - show how much you want it."