Visiting a tennis club, tournament or public facility you’re bound to come across a few characters. Such characters are usually unique personalities on the tennis court as well. If you watch closely you’ll find that most people fall under a certain category of player. You may be thinking to yourself, “There’s no way my game can be pigeonholed, right?”. Think again.
The “Grip” Guy
You always meet at least one player at a tournament that has to redo his grip everytime he steps on the court. I guess they’re just too busy to do it before the match. It’s as though they’re messing with you psychologically by wasting time in the middle of the match. Maybe it’s bad habit, maybe it’s mind games, but mostly it’s just annoying. Nice job with putting on your grip, but believe it or not, I know how to do it as well!
The Banana Boy
A tennis match can be grueling ordeal that sometimes requires extra vitamins to keep you going. What better way to do this than by snacking on a banana between games? Personally I’m not into the whole eating bananas during games but some players have enough bananas with them to feed a small country. I guess if their tennis careers don’t pan out there’s always money in the banana stand.
The “Come-On” Player
Once in a while, everybody needs a little self motivation to stay focused. There are those players however, that need to let everyone else in on the motivation as well. This includes screaming ‘Come On’, ‘Vamos’, or ‘Aide’ as loud as they can after each little point. It’s good to cheer yourself on every once in a while but the excess noise can be a bit annoying. Act like you’ve been there before.
The Fashion Show
It’s all about the glory of the game, right? Well actually for some players their performance is not the most important thing going on on the court. There are certainly those people who use the court as a runway rather than an athletic opportunity. Sometimes it’s better to be fabulous than good!
The “Pissed-Off” One
There’s a sneaky satisfaction in watching a player meltdown on the court. There’s certain to be plenty of sulking, self loathing and terrible body language. If you’re lucky you may even get to witness the allusive racket smash. How fun! Usually this breed of player is even upset after winning a match knowing they could have played better. Tennis is supposed to be fun dude. Relax.
The Practice Champion
“Oh no I’m going to get killed today. Look at their footwork, technique and copious amounts of winners!”. Oh wait, turns out he’s just a practice champ. When the spotlight isn’t shining, this player is all world and full of confidence. Sometimes it’s tough to watch as said player starts to push the ball and crumble under the pressure of a competitive match. That is, unless you’re playing them.
“Sketchy Call” Guy
You know the type. No matter how many lines you hit they’re going to call the ball out. You do know the rules right? Can I get a hawkeye replay please? Either they’re so determined not to lose that they feel the need to cheat or they’re just trying to mess with your psyche. Regardless it’s quite frustrating. But hey, some players need all the help they can. If you ain’t cheatin you ain’t tryin I guess.
The Down and Out
Sometimes you just have to throw your hands up and admit that you had a bad day. There are those however, that always need an injury excuse to explain their loss. “Oh goodness my back feels broken”, “My left latissimus dorsi was really flaring up out there today”, “The chaffing in between my thighs was keeping me from playing at my best!”. Settle down. You’d think they swapped out they’re tennis shoes for soccer cleats.
The Social Butterfly
Sure, tennis should be a social sport. It’s fun to go out and hit with your friends and even meet some new people in the process. I don’t however, want to know what you’re doing over the weekend right after I hit a wayward volley to lose a point during a competitive match. Best case scenario, two of these social butterflies find each other. Hey, take as long as you want during changeovers talking and giggling just as long as I’m not involved.
The Grunter
In their natural habit, the grunter is usually female in gender. However, if one listens closely enough, one may experience the more diminutive male grunt. Though more shy in nature, the male grunt expresses the same sentiment as the female grunt. It is in their nature to express their rigorous efforts through these throaty utterances. It must be said, that after extensive research, it was found that no two grunts are exactly alike. Fascinating.
