Insider Sport’s Matchday Programme offers a personal look at what sporting moments and figures have inspired industry stakeholders. Through candid reflections, the programme delves into the stories behind the inspirations that have shaped their perspectives and fuelled their passion for sports.

In this edition, Daniel Underwood, Co-Founder of sports marketing agency YRDS, delves into the contrasting personalities of two tennis legends, each with their own style and charm, who have influenced the sport in different but impactful ways. 

Daniel Underwood, Co-Founder of Sports Marketing Agency YRDS.
Daniel Underwood, Co-Founder of Sports Marketing Agency YRDS

Which athlete do you think demonstrated the best winning mentality throughout their career?

I think whatever your opinion of his character, you would struggle to argue with Novak Djokovic’s winning mentality. His record is simply sublime. World number one for essentially over eight years (428 weeks) and 24 Grand Slams with 10 of those (another record) coming from down under in Melbourne. 

Additionally, he pushed through the global dominance and winning streaks of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the process and his never-say-die attitude for every point looks like playing against a brick wall that has the mobility of a gymnast.

Who was your childhood sports hero and why? Which of their sporting achievements had the biggest impact on you?

I first went to Wimbledon in 2001 with my Dad and was hooked. That was the year when the final was on a Monday (due to good old British summer weather) and a wildcard won the men’s singles in Goran Ivanisevic – utterly crazy! 

From then on, I was hooked on tennis and Roger Federer, the darling of Centre Court, quickly became my hero. For me he remains the best ever and, despite records falling, no one has won as gracefully and with as much apparent ease as he did on grass. A standout though was him finally winning in Roland Garros in 2009; the one and only time he did.

What sports team do you follow the closest? Is this a family team or local side etc, and what has been the biggest moment in your history of supporting this club?

I follow Liverpool, but I have emotional ties to Oxford United. Liverpool is a bit of a childhood choice to stay popular at primary school and Oxford for family reasons. So, a moment that stands out was Oxford’s promotion to the championship last year. They surprised the favourites Bolton to win 2-0 at Wembley. We were there and it was one of the most special days out I’ve ever had. 

25 years since being at this level of football and experiencing the lows of non-league in-between. Their stadium still only has three stands with the third a fence and a car park, where kids often sit on top of vans to watch for free. It’s why we love English football.

Is there a team manager from any sport, whether that be football, rugby, NFL, NBA etc, who you think demonstrated the best leadership qualities?

Easy, this would be Jurgen Klopp. Simply for as he said in his first ever press conference turning ‘doubters into believers’. His connection to the fans, the city, and even the sponsors was exemplary and of course, his man management and influence on the team from tactics to transfers and every decision in-between, even the one to leave was pretty perfect (look at the club now). 

At his last ever home game I’ve not experienced a send-off like that in any other business. He is box office as a leader and I think he would make a successful CEO in any business, so Red Bull is lucky to have him.

What sports tournament do you think consistently provides the biggest thrills? Which moment from this league stood out to you the most in recent memory?

Without stating the obvious or sounding like a Sky Sports pundit I think it has to be the Premier League. Despite Man City’s dominance, you can’t take your eyes off it every year. The moment that I’ll never forget is still Liverpool losing it in 2013/14, with the infamous ‘slip’ against Chelsea. I still think Steven Gerrard deserved to lift the trophy at least once.

If you could travel back in time to any historic sporting moment to watch it then and now, which would it be and why?

For something a little different, I’d choose the 1997 Masters. When Tiger Woods won his first ever with a record-breaking performance. History-making at a club where no black player had ever won before and he was also the youngest ever at just 21 years old. Ridiculous stuff and I would get to see the start of a career for the greatest of all time. I doubt his influence on the sport will ever be matched.

If you could go out for dinner with any sporting figure, current or historical, who would it be and what would you want to learn from them?

Lewis Hamilton, for such a secretive character in maybe the most glamorous sport I’d love to sit down and chat over some pasta. We could talk about his career and how he continues to stay focussed, plus each tactical career move he has made including the latest to Ferrari.

To read the last edition of the Matchday Programme, James Voisey, Head of Commercial at Millwall Football Club, reflected on sports figures and moments that shaped his passion for the game, click HERE.

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