Losing stings but tennis stars always show up to talk. So should golfers

In all the pomp of victory, as podiums are set up and long ceremonies commence, look at the defeated athlete. He can’t hide except under a towel. He’s just waiting, scrutinised by staring cameras (did he break a racket? kick the dirt?), having platitudes tossed at him (“your time will come”), holding on to disappointment till he’s alone in a locker room and weeping.

For 20 minutes after the last shot in tennis, the vanquished are still on court, an exhausted prop in a triumphant theatre. They’re handed a microphone, here, speak, be graceful, stay humble, praise the champion, don’t forget the ball kids, all this while their heart feels like a toppled jigsaw.