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Tennis - Tennis Match Play
The first and most important point in tennis match play is to know how to both win
and lose.. do them cheerfully, generously, and like a sportsman.
The object of match play is to win, but no credit goes to a man who does not win
fairly and squarely. A victory is a defeat if it is other than fair. Yet again I
say to win is the object, and to do so, one should play to the last ounce of his
strength, the last gasp of his breath, and the last scrap of his nerve. If you
do so and lose, the better man won. If you do not, you have robbed your opponent
of his right of beating your best. Be fair to both him and yourself..
"The Play's the thing," and in match play a good defeat is far more creditable
than a hollow victory. Play tennis for the game's sake. Play it for the men you
meet, the friends you make, and the pleasure you may give to the public by the
hard working yet sporting game that is owed them by their presence at the match.
Many tennis players feel they owe the public nothing, and are granting a favour
by playing. It is my belief that when the public so honours a player that they
attend matches, that player is in duty bound to give of his best, freely,
willingly, and cheerfully, for only by so doing can he repay the honour paid
him. The tennis star of today owes his public as much as the actor owes the
audience, and only by meeting his obligations can tennis be retained in public
favour. The players get their reward in the personal popularity they gain by
their conscientious work.
There is another factor that is even stronger than this, that will always
produce fine tennis in championship events. It is the competitive spirit that is
the breath of life to every true sportsman: the desire to prove to himself he
can beat the best of the other man; the real regret that comes when he wins, and
feels the loser was not at his best.
The keen competitive spirit that stimulates a match player also increases the
nervous strain. This should be recognized by tournament committees, and the
conditions of play should be as nearly standardized as weather permits.
The first thing to fix firmly in your mind in playing a match, is never to allow
your opponent to play a shot he likes if it is possible to force him to make one
he does not. Study your opponent both on and off the court. Look for a weakness,
and, once finding it, pound it without mercy. Remember that you do not decide
your mode of attack.
It is decided for you by the weakness of your opponent. If he dislikes to meet a
netman, go to the net. If he wants you at the net, stay back and force him to
come in. If he attacks viciously, meet his attack with an equally strong
offensive.
Remember that the strongest defence is to attack, for if the other man is
occupied in meeting your attack, he will have less time to formulate his own
system.
If you are playing a very steady man, do not strive to beat him at his own game.
He is better at it than you in many cases, so go in and hit to win. On the other
hand, if you find that your opponent is wild and prone to miss, play safe and
reap the full crop of his errors. It saves you trouble and takes his confidence.
Above all, never change a winning game.Always change a losing game, since, as
you are getting beaten that way, you are no worse off and may be better with a
new style.
The question of changing a losing game is a very serious thing. It is hard to
say just when you are really beaten. If you feel you are playing well yet have
lost the first set about 3-6 or 4-6, with the loss of only one service, you
should not change. Your game is not really a losing game. It is simply a case of
one break of service, and might well win the next set. If, however, you have
dropped the first set in a 2 out of 3 match with but one or two games, now you
are outclassed and should try something else.
Take chances when you are behind, never when ahead. Risks are only worth while
when you have everything to win and nothing to lose. It may spell victory, and
at least will not hasten defeat. Above all, never lose your nerve or confidence
in a match. By so doing you have handed your opponent about two points a game a
rather hard handicap to beat at your best.
Never let your opponent know you are worried. Never show fatigue or pain if it
is possible to avoid, since it will only give him confidence. Remember that he
feels just as bad as you, and any sign of weakening on your part encourages him
to go on. In other words, keep your teeth always in the match.
Don't worry. Don't fuss. Luck evens up in the long run, and to worry only upsets
your own game without affecting your opponent. A smile wins a lot of points
because it gives the impression of confidence on your part that shakes that of
the other man. Fight all the time. The harder the strain the harder you should
fight, just make sure and enjoy tennis match play.
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