Do, not think that tennis is merely a physical exercise. It is a
mental cock-tail of a very high "kick."
CHAPTER VII. THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MATCH PLAY
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 does not win fairly and squarely. A victory is a defeat if it
is 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 do not, you have
robbed your opponent of his right of beating your best. Be fair
to both him and yourself.
"The Play's the thing," and in match play a good defeat is far
more creditable than a hollow victory. Play tennis for the game's
sake. Play it for the men you meet, the friends you make, and the
pleasure you may give to the public by the hard- working yet
sporting game that is owed them by their presence at the match.
Many tennis players feel they owe the public nothing, and are
granting a favour by playing. It is my belief that when the
public so honours a player that they attend matches, that player
is in duty bound to give of his best, freely, willingly, and
cheerfully, for only by so doing can he repay the honour paid
him.
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