By Amanda H. LeMay
I’ve played tennis off and on since high school. Followed the big events as well. But it wasn’t until the 2000 U.S. Open that I truly fell in love with tennis. Oh, who am I kidding, I actually fell in love with Marat Safin, but nevertheless I began an obsession with professional tennis that has only grown through the years. In those days we didn’t have the plethora of internet information that we have today. I mainly read scores in the paper and occasionally got to see a match on TV. Still though, I followed the happenings and by the time Mr. Safin won his second major in Melbourne I was fully addicted to message boards, tennis forums and live streaming. Imagine how wonderful it was to see a favorite player in a first round match half way around the world — never mind that it was the middle of the night here — it was just great to see him playing! Also remarkable was the growing number of places to discuss said match with other tennis enthusiasts. It was great to know that there were others out there who followed more than just the four majors and had a favorite player from a country other than their own.
Maybe it’s unusual to see such devotion to a game other than football or basketball here in the US. But tennis is a different kind of sport. It draws you in not with the usual fanfare of a team sport. It’s more personal. It’s easy to get invested in the players because they are so vulnerable to us. No helmets to hide their emotions, no teammates to commiserate with and no substitutes if one is having a bad day. Just two guys fighting each other on the court with no one to rely on but themselves. It can be a beautiful display of power and finesse or not. Frustrating and maddening at times, it never fails to deliver some sort of excitement or heartbreak. Week in and week out there is always something to watch and to discuss. The seasons change and so do the courts. Just when one tires of the dirty red clay of Europe the green grass of England beckons. Then the U.S. hard courts call for what is, in my opinion, the most exciting time of the year.
Yes, the season is long. I know the players lament this fact but for fans it means that there is always something happening. Even now I have a tennis scoreboard up on my computer. Sure, it’s a 250 event in which none of my favorites are playing but still — it’s tennis and I need to know what’s happening!
Perhaps the best part of tennis for me is that it is a sport of personalities as well as forehands and backhands. Sure, we all have particular game styles that are appealing. I personally like aggressive, hard hitters. I mean what could be sexier than your guy going for broke on a shot and painting the line like it was 10 feet wide! But the added bonus in tennis is that we get to see what’s going on in the mind as well. Give me a good racquet smash or a debatable line call any day over a missed field goal or free throw. Plus, what’s not shown in emotions on the court can often be found behind the scenes in press conferences or the rare off court interview. And then there are the numerous fan sites dedicated to your favorite players — everything you need to know to develop a full blown obsession! So when your guy retires, like Marat did in 2009, there is likely a replacement (Hello Ernests Gulbis) just around the corner ready to take you on his roller coaster for the next 10 years or so. Can’t wait!
Amanda H. LeMay resides in Memphis, Tennessee. She is a bank analyst who plays tennis occasionally at the club. This is her first composition about tennis for www.Tennis-prose.com.
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Scoop Malinowski · September 2, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Excellent writing, the way you express your pure love of the sport. Haven’t heard or read anyone describe it quite as well as you just did with this fine essay.
James MILLER · September 2, 2010 at 1:56 pm
I Played varsity tennis in high school in the 1970″s. Played thru the 80’s on public courts. Even played a few tournaments. I ate, breathed and followed tennis during those periods. Completley gave up the game in mid 90’s. Dont even have a racket now.
Amanda, I think the days of Nastase, Mcenroe, Connors, Borg showed a certain personality and vibrancy to the game that has not been seen since. There are no Americans in the top 10.
Big Money is now on the line and most of these tennis players lack the charisma of the good old days. It is a big business now like everything else. I happen to watch the french open when Mcenroe, who was doing color, commented on Nadal $500,000 dollar watch.
I am an avid walker and dont even follow tennis anymore.
If another Connors, Mcenroe, or Borg comes along I may once again start watching tennis on TV and even play.
Jase The Ace · September 2, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Words can’t explain how good that article was. =D
Lynn · September 2, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Beautifully written! A lot of tennis fans can relate to this. 🙂
Anailasa · September 2, 2010 at 2:48 pm
I love your article Amanda,you explain this sport exactlly the way it is. I was really impressed when I’ve redad it.
Hạnh · September 2, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Beautiful writing Amanda! 😀
“Imagine how wonderful it was to see a favorite player in a first round match half way around the world – never mind that it was the middle of the night here – it was just great to see him playing!”
Exactly what I’ve been through! 2 or 3 in the morning, covering yourself in the blanket, sitting in front of the scoreboard, supporting your favorite player half way a round the world. And the reward is always great when you know that he won! There’s nothing happier for a tennis fan when your favorite had a tough match, struggled and finally won!
“But tennis is a different kind of sport. It draws you in not with the usual fanfare of a team sport. It’s more personal. It’s easy to get invested in the players because they are so vulnerable to us. No helmets to hide their emotions, no teammates to commiserate with and no substitutes if one is having a bad day. Just two guys fighting each other on the court with no one to rely on but themselves. It can be a beautiful display of power and finesse or….not. Frustrating and maddening at times, it never fails to deliver some sort of excitement or heartbreak.”
I like this, so true!
I’ve watched many sports, but tennis is the only sport that gives me a lot of emotions and wonderful experiences. Biting nails nervously before the match, saying “come on, calm down” when seeing their outbursts on court, feeling happy like crazy when they won, being sad like a lost puppy when they lose, etc. All sort of emotions in just one match! To be honest, I easily get bored when watch a 90-minute football match, but can sitting still more than 2 hours in front of the scoreboard for a tennis match. It’s so addicted.
Samson · September 2, 2010 at 3:03 pm
very impressive and expressive piece of writing about your passion for the great sport of tennis.
this is how the love of the game should be expressed.
i am glad i got to read this article. i hope others have a chance to do so also. its quite good and quite articulate.
Arkulari · September 2, 2010 at 3:03 pm
that’s an unbelievably beautiful article and I really share most of the feeling behind it, those of us who are real tennis fans can absolutely relate to this, once you get the tennis fever, there’s no way back 😀
Di · September 2, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Passionate and very impressive writing Amanda! Loved it!
Sheila · September 2, 2010 at 8:49 pm
I enjoyed reading this article and I like the writer’s style.
You feel you can relate to her passion for tennis as it comes through clearly.
Anna · September 2, 2010 at 9:27 pm
Really enjoyed your essay Amanda. Some views and experiences you presented here reflect my own ones. And though I’ve never met you I feel as if you were a friend of mine. Anyway, I’m convinced your AO reports would be simply brilliant, hope you get the press pass. Good luck!
Alejandra · September 2, 2010 at 9:30 pm
Amanda the way you express the fervent you feel for this sport is brilliant.
I agree entirely with the reasons you give about why tennis can be just as passionate like other sports.
Thanks for this article 😉
Jess Stein · September 3, 2010 at 10:52 am
Hi Amanda – Love your piece here…
“Oh, who am I kidding, I actually fell in love with Marat Safin…”
Same here girl.
Remy · September 4, 2010 at 7:38 pm
I can totally relate to this article. 🙂