When I was coaching at pro tournaments a few years back, players would come up to me periodically and say, ‘I know you are into the mental side of the game, can you help me?’ I invariably would begin by asking them why they played tennis. They would always answer in the same way, ‘ because I love it!”
My response was always also the same. No you don’t! I have seen you play and there seems to be little joy in you after you miss a ball or when you lose a match.
Is there a joyfulness or playfulness in the actual playing? For many, many people the answer is clearly, no!
And this is true not just on the tennis court, but also in Life.
This is particularly interesting in the light of recent statements by Nick Kyrgios who said that he did not enjoy playing tennis; an echo of Agassi’s statements in his book ‘Open’.
Many people are shocked by these statements? How is it possible to be so good at something and yet dislike it? I feel these men are not aberrations, but just honest and in touch with themselves a little more than others.
How many more people are there playing this game, no where near as good as Kyrgios and Agassi, also not enjoying their time on the court? Probably a lot!
Why do they do it?
I urge you to look at your motivations for playing. Not from the words that come out of your mouth, but from watching and being alert to the feelings that are arising within as you play.
You don’t need anyone to tell you anything. Just watch and be honest with yourself.
Don’t make a goal or try to ‘teach’ yourself to play for the ‘right’ motivation. Just bring some awareness to what is there now. Why do you play tennis or do anything in your life?
Just to raise awareness of who you are and what is driving you could be the beginning of your own personal spiritual journey. And that road will be revealed to you as you bring in more light.
Explore, experiment and enjoy!