HPTC Tennis Memorial 2023 Scholarship Essay

By Deniz Finkel

Agassi calls tennis “the game of life.” “Break, fault, service, they are all aspects of life.” Tennis not only teaches sportsmanship and strength on the court but shapes one’s character off the court. Tennis has given me confidence and taught me perseverance. It is much easier to give up sometimes, whether to win a game when you are down 0-40 or try to succeed in a class you don’t like. Tennis taught me that matches are won one point at a time, and all you can do is give your best. Tennis has taught me to solve problems rather than hide behind excuses, and to be in the moment. Most importantly, tennis taught me that there are different ways to win. I learned that how to conduct yourself in tough moments during a match define you afterwards and you can lose a match and still come out a winner. One of my proudest moments was when the coach of the opposing team told me that I am his favorite player to watch because I battle every point.

As a five-year-old playing at the city clinic and chasing the orange ball, I felt pure joy. That joy for the game is now carrying me into my college years. Words of advice I will carry and share with young players are from Nadal, who never disrespects his racquet, because “it is a privilege to have one,” and from Federer, who says “Fear no one. Respect everyone.” I will always look for opportunities to share the joy of tennis with others.