DIFFERENT STROKES

Spectators, having become increasingly vocal over the years, provide the only source of “outside” encouragement and support.  Otherwise, the player plays on alone unaided and forced to rely on his or her inner resources and physical ability to gain the upper hand.  Were tennis matches relatively brief such “isolation” would be unexceptional.  In reality, however, these contests can last for hours leaving players “out of touch” and on their own for extended periods.  They will mutter to themselves or signal frustration after a missed shot and produce some motivational gesture, but otherwise maintain a “game face” and keep to themselves (aside from occasional glances over to where their entourage – coaches, friends and family are seated).

It is this uncommon, sustained isolation, complete self-reliance, and an inability to communicate or receive “coaching” that helps account for the unusual displays at match end.  Pent up emotion, largely contained during play, may now burst forth spontaneously.  Watch as the winner sinks to the ground and lies there, tears up and then springs up and down, waves excitedly to the crowd.  Spectators, largely unacknowledged during the match, are readily incorporated into the celebration, the winner bowing and applauding one section of the stands after another.  He or she may then toss a racket, wristbands, and in the case of a male player, a soaking shirt into the crowd, followed up by smacking a series of tennis balls toward spectators and autographing others held out by fans.  What other sport offers such uninhibited expressions of personal triumph and joy?

Even more startling is the foray into the crowd by the winner seeking out his or her coaches and supporters seated together near courtside.  This reunion is no doubt intended to compensate for the emotional void given the suspension of communication during the match.  Despite the physical risks associated with bounding into the stands and squeezing through packed fans, the players crave to share the moment and credit with those who, in various ways, were responsible for the victory.  Only after hugs and kisses are exchanged will the player jump back onto the court and then be expected to address the crowd and reflect upon the match.

So let’s hear it for those intrepid masters of the tennis court, those conquering heroes who, stand alone, and can summon the inner strength to will themselves to victory. But also let us ask why, in a sport that requires such self-reliance, that America, a nation that celebrates  individualism has failed, in recent years to produce a fresh crop of tennis players capable of competing with the current elite of the game?