What can Wimbledon tell us about family legacy planning?

The 2025 Wimbledon final delivered more than just a thrilling match; it gave us a glimpse into the future of tennis. As Jannik Sinner dethroned Carlos Alcaraz to claim his first Wimbledon title, it became clear that the next dynasty of tennis had been cemented, and the torch had been passed from the Big Four to a new generation of greats.

This got me thinking: what makes some legacies continue while others fade? Why have Alcaraz and Sinner succeeded where Medvedev, Zverev and Tsitsipas have failed? In both tennis and financial planning, maintaining excellence across generations isn’t automatic, it takes consistency, structure, and early investment in the next generation.

So, what can Wimbledon teach us about family legacy planning?

Consistency wins championships and builds legacy

Alcaraz and Sinner have been models of consistency. Week in and week out, they show up, adapt, and perform - even when things don’t go their way. In fact, until Sunday’s final, Sinner hadn’t beaten Alcaraz since 2023, but he kept working and it paid off.

Contrast that with the earlier "Next Gen" of Zverev - Known for choking under pressure, Medvedev - Inconsistent and frequently let frustration dictate performance, and Tsitsipas- Often let strong starts slip away.

In financial terms, consistency is everything. Building and preserving a family legacy means:

• Sticking with your investment strategy, even during downturns
• Reviewing and updating your plan regularly
• Avoiding emotional decisions based on short-term market noise

Families who stay the course - like Sinner stuck to his game - tend to come out on top.

Structured, long-term support makes the difference

Alcaraz has had the same coach since he was 15. Sinner has had a steady, close-knit team for his entire professional career. This long-term mentorship has created the perfect environment for continuous improvement. Compare that to Zverev, who has cycled through coaches with no clear long-term guide and Tsitsipas, whose father-coach dynamic has often caused visible tension during matches, and we can see the clear benefit of long term, structured support.

For family legacy planning putting this structure in place looks like:

• A trusted advisor who provides long-term continuity
• A clear, goal-driven plan that evolves with you
• Regular reviews that keep your family legacy on track

Legacy isn’t just about the assets you pass on; it’s the framework you build to help those assets grow and support your values over time.

Educate the next generation early

One of the most impressive things about Sinner and Alcaraz is their maturity and poise. Both under 25, yet they display emotional control, tactical awareness, and professionalism well beyond their years. This didn’t happen by accident, they’ve been nurtured, trained, and exposed to elite competition from an early age. Meanwhile, the previous generation - Zverev, Medvedev, and Tsitsipas often struggled with emotional volatility, with moments of on-court frustration and tactical breakdowns.

Families should take note: the earlier you bring your children into financial conversations, the more confident and capable they’ll be when the time comes to carry the torch.

Early financial education fosters:

• Financial literacy
• Emotional resilience during economic downturns
• Preparedness for wealth transfer and responsibility

It’s not just about inheritance; it’s about equipping the next generation to carry the torch and build their own family legacy.

Just as the Big Four didn’t simply vanish - they inspired, trained, and influenced the players who are now taking centre stage - financial legacy should be proactive, intentional, and intergenerational.

Success in tennis, like in family wealth, doesn’t just happen. It comes from structured mentorship, consistent effort, and early preparation. Whether you’re coaching a champion or preparing your children to inherit your values and wealth, the principles are the same:

• Show up Consistently
• Structured, Long-Term Support
• Invest in the Next Generation

The value of investments and the income derived from them can fall as well as rise. You may not get back what you invest.

This communication is for general information only and is not intended to be individual advice. It represents our understanding of law and HM Revenue & Customs practice. You are recommended to seek competent professional advice before taking any action.

Tax and Estate Planning Services are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.