An Open Letter from Stephen Hendry to Ronnie O’Sullivan, Fans, and the Entire Snooker Community
Dear Ronnie, fans, and the incredible snooker community,
As I sit down to write this letter, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey I’ve had in snooker, the ups and downs, the triumphs, the challenges, and, most importantly, the relationships formed along the way. Today, I want to share a few words with Ronnie O’Sullivan, one of the finest players to ever grace the game, and to all the fans who have followed the sport with such unwavering passion.
First and foremost, Ronnie, I want to offer you my utmost respect and admiration. Watching you play over the years has been nothing short of a privilege. You are a true artist of the game, someone whose skills transcend what we thought was possible with a cue and a table. I’ve had the opportunity to play against you, watch you in action, and marvel at your effortless brilliance. Your ability to produce moments of magic, to turn the impossible into the inevitable, has inspired countless players, including myself, to reach higher and push the boundaries of what we can achieve.
We’ve shared many memorable moments on the green baize, some of which have been intense, others, incredibly entertaining. Despite our competitive nature, I’ve always had great respect for you, not just for your talent but for your character. You are a unique individual, someone who plays the game on your own terms, and I’ve always admired your authenticity. The way you express yourself in and around the sport has shaped the landscape of snooker in ways that many of us could never have imagined.
To the fans, I want to say thank you. You are the heartbeat of this sport. Your unwavering support, your enthusiasm, and your knowledge have kept snooker alive and thriving, even through challenging times. It’s your passion that fills the arenas, that electrifies the atmosphere at every tournament, and that drives us players to give our best on the table. I’ve been lucky enough to experience your energy firsthand, and it’s something that I’ll always cherish. Snooker wouldn’t be what it is today without you, and I hope you all know how much you are appreciated.
For the younger generation of players, I want to share a bit of advice, something I’ve learned over the years. The road to success in snooker is never easy. It’s a journey filled with sacrifices, challenges, and tough moments. But it’s also one of the most rewarding paths you can take. Like many of you, I started at a young age, determined to make my mark. Along the way, I encountered my fair share of failures, but each setback taught me something valuable. The key is resilience. Never stop learning, never stop improving, and most importantly, never stop believing in yourself. It’s a long road, and there will be moments where it feels like the world is against you, but hold on to that belief. Success will come, and when it does, it will feel all the sweeter.
To the snooker community as a whole, I want to acknowledge the incredible growth and transformation this sport has undergone over the years. We’ve seen snooker grow from a niche sport into a global phenomenon, with more and more people tuning in to watch the best players in the world. The introduction of new technology, the rise of online streaming, and the increasing interest in the sport from countries all over the globe have helped elevate snooker to new heights. It’s exciting to see how the game continues to evolve, and I’m confident that the future of snooker is in good hands.
Of course, my own journey in snooker has been a long and rewarding one. Winning seven World Championships and countless other titles was a dream come true, and it’s something that I’ll always be proud of. But snooker has given me more than just trophies—it has given me friendships, experiences, and a sense of purpose. It has taught me humility, perseverance, and the importance of always striving for greatness, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
Ronnie, your influence on snooker cannot be overstated. You have taken this game to places we never thought possible. You’ve shown us what’s achievable with natural talent, work ethic, and a true love for the sport. As a competitor, I’ve always felt challenged by you, but I’ve also been motivated to push myself harder, to find new ways to improve. You’ve been an inspiration not just to me, but to an entire generation of players and fans.
As I look to the future, I know that the game of snooker will continue to evolve, and that new talents will emerge to carry the sport forward. But I will always cherish the memories, the rivalries, and the moments that have made snooker such a special part of my life. To all the fans, thank you for your continued support. To my fellow players, thank you for the competition and camaraderie. And to Ronnie, thank you for being part of this amazing journey.
Here’s to the next chapter, whatever it may bring.
With the deepest respect and gratitude,
Stephen Hendry
