Neil Robertson's Emotional Reset Ahead of Crucible Battle
So, here we are again at the brink of the World Snooker Championship, and this time, it’s a deeply emotional one for Neil Robertson. As he steps into yet another Crucible campaign, the Aussie snooker ace finds himself carrying not just the weight of competition, but also the heavy heart of personal loss. The news of Joe Perry’s retirement has truly struck a chord with him—on a level that goes far beyond the snooker table.
For those who don’t know, Joe Perry has been more than just a fellow professional to Neil. He’s been a mentor, a training partner, a teammate, and most importantly, a close friend. Back in 2003, when Neil made the bold move from Australia to the UK in pursuit of his snooker dreams, Joe was right there. The two ended up practicing at the same club in Cambridge, and it was in those early days that Neil truly began to understand the grit and excellence that professional snooker demands. He recalls pulling balls out of pockets for Joe without a hint of frustration—just admiration and a thirst to learn. That foundation laid the path for a career that would peak with a World Championship win in 2010.
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But this year, the emotional undercurrent runs deeper. Joe Perry’s decision to retire, while not entirely unexpected, hit Neil hard. The timing, right before the start of the biggest tournament of the year, only intensified the feeling. Neil took to social media to express just how heartbroken he was, calling it “an absolute honour” to have practiced and competed alongside Joe all these years. He acknowledged how important Joe has been to his resurgence this season, crediting their time together for reigniting his fire and focus.
And speaking of focus—Neil’s approach to this year's championship is drastically different. After missing out on the Crucible in 2024, a rare and painful setback, he’s decided to shake things up entirely. Gone are the routines that felt like comfortable habits. He’s ditched his usual hotel near the venue, opting instead for somewhere more remote. The idea? Create a bubble, block out the noise, and treat this campaign with the seriousness and solitude it deserves.
He’s also been working with a sports psychologist—something he now wishes he’d done a decade ago. This partnership has helped him restructure everything: from how he trains, to how he deals with distractions like fan attention or last-minute ticket chaos. It's all part of a bigger plan to go in clear-headed, ready to give his all.
Neil knows he has regrets about past Crucible appearances—matches where he fell into his shell when things got tough. This time, he says, it’s all about attacking from the very first ball. No more playing safe. No more letting moments slip by. Whether he wins or falls short, he wants to leave knowing he gave it everything, no holding back.
With Joe Perry's retirement echoing in his mind, and his own career nearing its twilight, Neil Robertson enters this World Championship not just with the hunger to win—but with a fire fueled by friendship, memories, and the drive to honour every chapter that brought him here.
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