The Psychology Of Singles and Doubles in Tennis

Singles, the greatest strain in tennis, is the game for two players. It’s in this phase of the game that the personal equation reaches its crest of importance. This is the game of individual effort, mental and physical.

A hard 5-set singles match is the greatest strain on the body and nervous system of any form of sport. Singles is a game of daring,  dash, speed of foot and stroke. It’s a game of chance far  more than doubles. Since you’ve no partner dependent upon you,  you are able to afford to risk error for the possibility of speedy victory. Much of what I wrote under match play is more for singles than doubles, yet let me call your attention to certain peculiarities of singles from the standpoint of the spectator.

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The Psychology of Match Play in Tennis

The first and most important point in match play is to know how to lose. Lose cheerfully, generously, and like a sportsman. This is the first great law of tennis, and the second is like unto it to win modestly, cheerfully, generously, and like a sportsman

The object of match play is to win, but no credit goes to a man who doesn’t win fairly and squarely. A victory is a defeat if it’s 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 don’t, you’ve robbed your opponent of his right of beating your best. Be fair to both him and yourself.

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The Fundamentals of Tennis

I trust this initial effort of mine in the world of letters will find a place among both novices and experts in the tennis world. I’m striving to interest the student of the game by a somewhat prolonged discussion of match play, which I trust will shed afresh light on the game.

May I turn to the novice at my opening and speak of certain matters which are second nature to the skilled player?

The best tennis equipment isn’t too good for the beginner who seeks really to succeed. It’s a saving finally, as good quality material thus far outlasts poor.

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