Tennis is a subtle game of extremes. It’s full of anomalies. It looks easy. I mean let’s face it, very small children play it for goodness sake. But it’s one of, if not THE, hardest games in the world. It’s lonely. It’s grueling. You are an island.
No coaching allowed.
The subtleties that make the difference are extraordinary. The surface, the ball toss, the spin on the ball, the extreme angles, the bounce, and of course your strategy. And everyone knows it comes down to physical and mental strength.
I don’t play but have been around the game for years and go to the Australian Open every year. It’s fair to say after watching my son for so long and learning the sport through him, I love the game. A grand slam is a fantastic experience. You see some of the best athletes in the world battle it out, day after day over two weeks, often in extreme conditions. On their own.
It has a certain refinement as well, which makes the sport so unique. It looks and feels elegant. Imagine Wimbledon with champagne, strawberries and perfectly manicured grass. In Australia we’re a bit more casual but it still has that air of sophistication.
Absolute silence required during play. These players need FOCUS.
I reckon bouncing back in life is similar. It’s full of subtleties visible only to you. Others see the big picture, but you’re out there battling it out, on your own. You are an island.
“Only boxers can understand the loneliness of tennis players – and yet boxers have their corner men and managers. In tennis you’re on an island.”
– OPEN by Andre Agassi
So yes, you’re on your own and it’s going to take tactics, fitness, resilience and focus. Like tennis, you might need to talk to yourself out there. Do whatever it takes. The big difference is the trophy you’re fighting for is yourself.
The world watches in silence, not fully understanding, willing you to win.