A disproportionately high number of players at the top of the Senior Adult age group rankings lists teach tennis for a living. Many others at the upper echelons of the game who aren’t professional coaches are actively involved in the tennis ecosystem by volunteering, officiating, or promoting tennis programs in their local areas. The very best players in Adult Senior tennis freely share their love of the game with others.
While teaching tennis is a direct way to share the sport, these players also excel at creating a welcoming atmosphere on the courts. They are inviting and friendly to players at all levels. Their innate sense of how to create a positive experience for everyone who wanders near a tennis court fosters the love of the sport in others.
Sportsmanship exemplifies the spirit of tennis that the top players in the competitive ecosystem build in the community. With rare exceptions, they exhibit respect and fairness to all opponents, regardless of their skill level. They are quick to congratulate others on good shots and avoid negative comments or behavior. Sportsmanship is an expression of their love for tennis.
At the National level tournaments, I have always been in awe of how willing the top players are to share practice court time by doubling and sometimes even tripling up on each side of the court. Additionally, if a player needs a warm-up or practice partner, the top players quickly volunteer their services. That comes from an innate joy of tennis.
At the local levels, you will find many of the best players in adult tennis creating or supporting programs that create opportunities for others. Introducing the sport to newcomers helps fill the pipeline that will one day produce the next generation of top talent in Senior Adult tennis. However, that isn’t why they do it. These players genuinely enjoy introducing others to the sport and supporting their journey of personal growth.
The very best players in Senior Adult tennis love the sport, but they don’t bottle that up. They generously share their love with others who are less experienced and skilled. It is one of the best habits of highly successful tennis players that we should all strive to embrace.
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.
So true. Thank you to each competitor who showed such positive attention giving the recipient a sense of belonging.