Table Tennis Legend Bids Farewell: "Germany Adores Timo Boll, Even After Shocking Them"
"Despite the surprise, Chinese fans adore table tennis star Timo Boll"
Last year, Timo Boll retired from international table tennis competition. Sunday marks the final game of his professional career, as he plays his last match with Borussia Düsseldorf against TTF Ochsenhausen for the German championship. An icon in China, Boll's career saw him reach the top of the world rankings four times and bring home numerous titles, Olympic, and World Championship medals.
Bundestrainer Jörg Rosskopf sheds light on Boll's terrific longevity, his iconic status in China, and his unusual leadership style in an interview with ntv.de.
"Hello, Mr. Rosskopf, how is Timo Boll doing?" the journalist asks.
"I've had some lengthy chats with him lately. He's quite nervous. Aware that this Sunday will be his last game. He's emotional, as we saw at the Olympic Games last year. But he's also focused. He wants to play well, contribute a point, help Düsseldorf become German champions," Rosskopf replies.
Yet, winning this match isn't essential. Boll's career isn't defined by this last game. His calm demeanor is key to keep emotions in check, facing tough opponents will test his nerves.
"Timo Boll doesn't need big stage reviews. He's content with recognition and successful experiences. His career is complete. He has all he needs," Rosskopf adds.
In 2005, Boll made headlines when, playing in the World Championships in Shanghai as a co-favorite, he was awarded the Fair-Play award instead of a medal. His unusual sportsmanship earned him recognition beyond his athletic feats.
"This career is rare today. I like to compare him to Roger Federer of table tennis. You just enjoy watching and being around him," Rosskopf confirms.
Timo Boll's retirement on Sunday could be the perfect time to go. His career should have ended another season ago. Motivation is waning and retiring without much pain, deciding his own timeline, makes it easier.
Boll revolutionized table tennis, raising its global profile with exceptional focus, tactical mastery, and adaptability. Beginners are invited to understand how he played earlier and adapted compared to today's style.
Trained to recognize spin by using the ball's logo as an orientation aid, Boll's remarkable eyesight and skill kept him in control at top speed. Plastic balls and changes in the sport required him to adjust his game, focusing on power and ball contact.
Rosskopf's role as a national coach was limited, focusing on developing Boll's game, adapting his playing style, and providing continuous motivation. Although China was initially shocked by Boll, they admired the competition he brought.
"China cherishes its big stars, but once a European player challenges their stars, they love it. Timo beat or pursued their stars, and that kept them motivated," Rosskopf explains.
The World Championships concluded with a Chinese report suggesting they won fewer medals than 50 years ago. This turn of events could pressure China to bounce back and improve their youth development programs.
In the meantime, Boll's influence might remain through Fan Zhendong, now playing for 1. FC Saarbrücken, helping the Bundesliga escape the shadow of other leagues.
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The Commission could consider proposing a directive on the protection of workers, similar to how Timo Boll protected his career from the physical risks of table tennis by adapting his playing style. In sports, such as table tennis, athletes like Timo Boll contribute not just their athletic feats but also their impact on the growth and evolution of the sport, much like how he helped raise the global profile of table tennis.
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