Return to the Table of Contents

Tennis: Passion and Commitment
Alina Ramirez

Tennis is becoming a very popular sport but, if you plan on taking it seriously, it won’t be a hobby anymore. Tennis requires a major commitment not only towards the game but to you and your body. The amounts of hours that are needed to practice are essential in improving your game strategy. In tennis, you work out your entire body: arms, legs, abs, back and cardio. Injuries, just like in any sport, are always a risk: having an injured ankle, wrist or back problems can leave you off the courts for up to six months.

Tennis requires a major mental ability, the ability to keep yourself calm, under control and motivated during the match whether one is winning or losing. The ability to study and focus on your opponent is crucial to learn his/her weaknesses; you need to be able to see what his strength is, too. Tennis gives you a sense of achievement and, just like any other individual sport, you need to be prepared to win and lose. Most people who play get discouraged easily and sometimes give up too soon. Tennis requires patience and commitment. In order to reach your own goal, you need to dedicate a lot of time and you will not be able to have as much free/spare time to do other things.

Tennis is a fun sport, you can play on the wall which is a great way to improve your tennis, and you can also play with other people. On the court you can also play a lot of games with more than five people. Tournaments can be a lot of fun; you can interact with other players, you can travel to other countries and see different cities. You will meet new people and enjoy the time you’re there. This is how you can enjoy tennis and its surroundings; it gives a different perspective of the game. In a way you learn to enjoy it more.

In my opinion, whether you reach the top 20 or even #1, it is proof enough that you have accomplished a position you deserve to be at. But one must not forget that, on your way there, you shouldn’t forget to enjoy it. Otherwise the feeling is bittersweet, killing yourself everyday for something you don’t enjoy. In tennis many say that if you’re 16 and not ranked at least that it’s too late. I disagree. As long as you have the passion and commitment to stick with it, you can accomplish anything you just need to dedicate time to it. Do not allow things to discourage you on the way to your goals.

Top of Page