Missing The Courts

Tennis has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. Starting at only four years old I had already been attached to the sport. Everyday I would wake up ready for practice. I was beyond excited to run around the courts and be able to show my parents my improvement. As I was getting older I would participate more in tournaments. This allowed me to showcase my competitive nature. I remember one match specifically. My opponent had won the first set 2-6. I kept talking to myself on the court. " Emma you have to fight for this. Emma you could do better. Emma get it together. Do not lose focus. You still got this. Lets go." I had stood up ready to win the second set, I was fired up. When I had done a good play, or had made a killer shot I would put my fists in the air and scream " COME ON LETS GO". The set was cruel. We kept getting caught at deuces and going back and forth both fighting for every point. Shortly after, I had won the second set 6-1. Since we had both won a set each... it was time for a tiebreaker. I remember telling myself... " Emma breathe... you got this". I fought for every single point. Before you knew it I had won the game. The score was 2-6,6-1, and 10-7 for the tie breaker. I remember exiting the court into the lobby and seeing my dad with the biggest smile. I had given the score to the one who ran the tournament and walked over to my dad. He told me " you have the heart of a champion". That has stuck with me till this day with everything that I do. I haven't played many tournaments recently due to the situation that is going and and overall being a student in high school. School is always top priority. However, I still attend training. That is what keeps me going. I am a very reserved and independent person. I love to stand my ground and I love to handle situations alone. Tennis has taught me how to do that. It also has taught me how to get back up after being knocked down, to learn from my mistakes, and overcome challenging obstacles. When it comes to this sport I immediately begin to ramble. My love for this sport is unconditional. Being inside all day has helped me understand the impact that tennis has on me. When I am going through something I tend to distance myself from others.When this happens I usually go to the park near me and hit against a wall. Just me, the wall, and my thoughts. It allows me to balance my emotions. I began this blog for multiple reasons. I want to make a positive impact on others. Where I can speak on certain topics that are relatable which allows others to understand they arent alone. Just like the story I shared today. I am sure all of you have that one thing in which it allows your mind to escape. Something that is there for you... something you have passion for.