Tennis, at a quick glance, is a rather a funny sport. A buncha people tossing a ball to each other over a net. And then they keep doing it over and over again! But, I love that game and here’s why.
Tennis is like an expensive Swiss watch: the beauty is in the details and the craftsmanship. And recognizing the true value of it requires a certain amount of sophistication, though the quality speaks for itself. Not every tennis game necessarily fits into the definition though; there are relatively cruder ones too. Then again, they make us appreciate the classy ones all the more.
In the classier games, there is a certain finesse involved, a smoothness of motions flowing across from one side of the court to another powered by sudden influxes, to be as suddenly dampened of all energy. Each shot is produced by swings generating from the torque accumulating from the body, all the way from the feet to the hips to the arms to the wrist. The perfect ones being in complete harmony with each other.
Then again there is the battle, between aggressors, defenders, with roles being switched around from point to point, game to game, and set to set. At times it resembles a game of chess when an attacker controls the game to the extent to predicting his opponent’s moves and stays ready for him, before he can even make his strike. The ability to set up combinations, by driving an opponent to the very corner, or catching him off-guard/wrong-footed.
As with almost every sport, the players are tested for strength, speed, reflexes, endurance, mental strength, and consistency. The fact that the best remain on the top most of the time, shows how little luck comes into play – as compared to the preparation and the skill set of the players.
After watching Wimbledon for two weeks and witnessing some spectacular games, I just had had to express my love for tennis – to whomever and wherever.
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