Last December, I wrote a series of posts highlighting the “12 Habits of Highly Successful Tennis Players.” Throughout 2023, the first weekend of every month features an in-depth look at one of those habits. The deep dive topic for November is “Love the Game.” The best players in Adult Senior tennis genuinely love to play the sport.
It may seem obvious, but the people who travel a great distance to compete in a National Level tournament enjoy tennis. It would be cynical to assume that their devotion to the sport stems from the fact that they are good at it. In fact, I believe the Senior players with high levels of competitive mastery achieved it because they love tennis rather than the other way around.
Many of the best adult tennis players love the sport for its unique combination of physical and mental challenges. If they weren’t playing tennis, they would most likely be engaged in some other form of physical competition where strategy really matters. They enjoy the constant mental stimulation required to problem-solve during a competitive match.
On the other hand, tennis can also be extraordinarily meditative. Extended rallies with a cooperative partner, ball machine, or backboard can create a sense of peace and harmony. At the opposite end of the spectrum, hitting a great shot during a big match is exhilarating.
The community in Senior adult tennis is filled with people who love the game. It creates an electrifying atmosphere at the tournaments when the best players are gathered together. These people share a passion for the sport that contributes to their mastery. They embrace adversity and fundamentally know that it’s the challenges that make them even better. They love everything that tennis demands of them and have an unwavering dedication to the sport.
The very best players in Senior tennis don’t love the sport because they are good at it. Rather, these players are wired to appreciate the journey of continuous growth. They have a relentless pursuit of excellence, driven by their love of the game.
Love is what sets the best tennis players apart.
Throughout 2023, I am exploring the 12 Habits of Highly Successful Tennis Players. A complete summary of all posts on that topic and what is coming up for the remainder of this year can be found on the 12 Habits of Highly Successful Tennis Players homepage.
