The pursuit of glory, the allure of prize money, and the chance to dedicate a life to a passion are often seen as the primary motivators for athletes. However, for some at the pinnacle of their professions, the reality is a complex, even negative, relationship with the very sports that define them.
Three-time darts world champion Michael van Gerwen recently disclosed that he does not enjoy watching darts. "I never did in my life," he told Winmau. "I don't even like watching darts." While he keeps tabs on rivals, he prefers playing to spectating, stating, "I'd rather play than watch. Simple as that."
Arsenal defender Ben White shares a similar sentiment regarding football. He watches his own performances for analytical reasons but does not typically follow other matches. "I didn't ever watch football when I was younger. I still don't now," White said. He emphasized his love for playing the game rather than observing it.
Tennis legend Serena Williams, in a 2012 interview with TennisNow, expressed a nuanced view: "I don't love tennis today, but I'm here, and I can't live without it." She further admitted, "I've actually never liked sports, and I never understood how I became an athlete. I don't like working out, I don't like anything that has to do with working physically."
Nick Kyrgios, the Australian tennis player, has spoken openly about his ambivalent feelings toward tennis. "I don't really like the sport of tennis that much. I don't love it," he stated in 2015, adding that he was more passionate about basketball. He made the decision to pursue tennis at age 14, influenced by his parents.
Snooker player Mark Williams, in 2019, admitted to "hating" his sport during a challenging period, noting he was enjoying golf more. While currently ranked world No. 8 and a recent World Championship finalist, his comments reflected a past struggle with the game.
Tyson Fury, a prominent figure in boxing, has described his relationship with the sport as "love-hate." He told DAZN in 2024 that boxing is an addiction that impacts his mental and physical health, yet it provides an "unbelievable" rush. Fury has retired and un-retired multiple times, citing the sport's addictive nature.
Former Tottenham defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto stated in an interview with Sky Sports that he does not watch football outside of games and that his interests lie with friends and music, particularly hip-hop.
Perhaps the most candid admission comes from eight-time Grand Slam tennis champion Andre Agassi. In his autobiography, he wrote, "I play tennis for a living even though I hate tennis. I hate it with a dark and secret passion and always have." The demands of a professional tennis career, including extensive travel and intense pressure, are often cited as reasons for such sentiments.