"I choose to remember the times I was helped out (mostly)." For me, that is the key to a good ,well lived life. You are living that. Good for you! And I try! :)
This was a nice way to start the day. I may even end the day by re-reading it.
There’s more I’d like to say, but for the sake of brevity, I will go, maybe to the ocean, maybe to try and find a cafe like you mention. I can see clearly now the rain is gone...
I couldn't agree more with this column. I had one magical journey to USTA National champion in 2019 and every other tourney since has been ended just as you said--a loss. I won 6 matches. Some by very odd circumstances.
Keep up the insightful writing. I really enjoy it.
In today’s championship obsessed sports culture, this is a really refreshing take. You remind us all that winning is very rare. Seems like a metaphor for life too!
Following and cheering for the players we love makes us optimists and knowing that there are greater, more capable players out there makes us cynics. I always want my favorites to make it deep into tournaments, but that is where they meet the Swiateks, the Bartys, the Sharapovas, the greats who most of the time seem invincible. And they, usually, predictably, beat the players I love who make it there. But you have to keep hope alive that everyone on tour is human and maybe, just maybe, the player I love can win it all.
Great stuff here Andrea. I watched the Nadal-Branch match and kept thinking about youth and a tennis legend nearing the end of his career. Darwin is only 16 years old! The negative backlash must have come from people who not think very clearly or kindly.
Hi Andrea, I know you choose your words carefully, but still I'd like to ask - even if it sounds good to say "I'm an optimistic, but also a cynic" might skeptic be the better choice of words?
I'm imposing my own beliefs here, sorry. I believe that a healthy skepticism is necessary to survive, but that cynicism is a sad state of mind. Like the people who claim "all politicians are liars" or "all pro athletes really care about is the money." There are people who'd rather fall back on lazy beliefs like that, rather than accept that life is complex and presents very few easy, clear-cut choices (at least on the really important stuff.)
I enjoy your writing, just as I enjoyed your tennis, but I have to ask - are you a cynic or are you a skeptic? I consider myself the latter, as well as an optimist and some of the time a pessimist.
As a tennis fan I love these reads, because they're simultaneously about tennis and then not about tennis at all.
As a fellow writer I love these reads, because anyone that meshes tennis and Shakespeare has done well in my book!
Thanks for the fun stuff!
Another great piece, but ... damn, all the professional pressure AND no alcohol!? Cheers to retirement! 🍻
right? terrible system
"I choose to remember the times I was helped out (mostly)." For me, that is the key to a good ,well lived life. You are living that. Good for you! And I try! :)
Yes, yes, yes! Balanced, vibrant and rhythmic.
This was a nice way to start the day. I may even end the day by re-reading it.
There’s more I’d like to say, but for the sake of brevity, I will go, maybe to the ocean, maybe to try and find a cafe like you mention. I can see clearly now the rain is gone...
I couldn't agree more with this column. I had one magical journey to USTA National champion in 2019 and every other tourney since has been ended just as you said--a loss. I won 6 matches. Some by very odd circumstances.
Keep up the insightful writing. I really enjoy it.
magical runs are the best runs!
This is a great, inspiring essay. Thank you. And 3 cheers for pizza + Seinfeld.
“A cynic is just a disappointed optimist.”
I don’t remember where I heard that but I’ve co-opted it for sure.
that is so true!
Love the way you write Andrea. Things that make me happy: reading your post every Friday
In today’s championship obsessed sports culture, this is a really refreshing take. You remind us all that winning is very rare. Seems like a metaphor for life too!
Following and cheering for the players we love makes us optimists and knowing that there are greater, more capable players out there makes us cynics. I always want my favorites to make it deep into tournaments, but that is where they meet the Swiateks, the Bartys, the Sharapovas, the greats who most of the time seem invincible. And they, usually, predictably, beat the players I love who make it there. But you have to keep hope alive that everyone on tour is human and maybe, just maybe, the player I love can win it all.
That's probably a good balance, general overall optimism with occasional cynicism.
Thought of you when I read: https://www.theparisreview.org/letters-essays/7799/tennis-is-the-opposite-of-death-a-proof-joy-katz
"I hope you have Advil in your pocket because it can truly save a day!" Truly wonderful advice to round out a thoughtful column.
saved one of my days last week 🙏🏻
Great stuff here Andrea. I watched the Nadal-Branch match and kept thinking about youth and a tennis legend nearing the end of his career. Darwin is only 16 years old! The negative backlash must have come from people who not think very clearly or kindly.
I love your writing! Fascinating, insightful and brutal honesty. Is your latest book available with English translation?
not yet unfortunately :( working on it though!
Hi Andrea, I know you choose your words carefully, but still I'd like to ask - even if it sounds good to say "I'm an optimistic, but also a cynic" might skeptic be the better choice of words?
I'm imposing my own beliefs here, sorry. I believe that a healthy skepticism is necessary to survive, but that cynicism is a sad state of mind. Like the people who claim "all politicians are liars" or "all pro athletes really care about is the money." There are people who'd rather fall back on lazy beliefs like that, rather than accept that life is complex and presents very few easy, clear-cut choices (at least on the really important stuff.)
I enjoy your writing, just as I enjoyed your tennis, but I have to ask - are you a cynic or are you a skeptic? I consider myself the latter, as well as an optimist and some of the time a pessimist.