Introduction: From Casual Hits to Serious Commitment
Twelve months ago, I made a decision:
I wasn’t just going to play tennis — I was going to train for it.
No more just showing up and rallying. No more treating matches like bonus cardio. I committed to regular practice, match play, coaching, strength training, recovery, and the mental game.
And now, after a full year of drills, defeats, tiebreaks, and early mornings… I’ve been asked a fair question:
“Do you still enjoy it?”
Let’s talk honestly about what happens when something you love becomes something you work at — and whether tennis is still fun for me.
The Short Answer: Yes — But It’s Different
The fun didn’t disappear.
But it definitely changed.
Early on, tennis was fun because everything was new. I didn’t overthink. I just swung, ran, sweated, and smiled. I’d celebrate clean contact like I’d won Wimbledon.
Now? The game is still deeply rewarding — but not always “fun” in the carefree sense. Sometimes it’s:
- Mentally exhausting
- Frustrating
- Repetitive
- Physically demanding
- A test of discipline, not just joy
🎾 But weirdly… I wouldn’t go back.
What Changed — and Why It Matters
1. The Expectations Grew
At the start, no one expected anything of me — not even me. But now, I know what I’m capable of. That means I:
- Hold myself to higher standards
- Feel more pressure during matches
- Notice every technical flaw, every bad habit
This can be stressful — but also incredibly motivating.
Growth always comes with expectations. The key is not letting them weigh you down.
2. The Highs Are Higher — But the Lows Are Lower
There’s nothing like hitting a backhand winner that you’ve trained for weeks. Or winning a match you thought you’d lose.
That rush? Unbeatable.
But on the flip side:
- A bad performance hits harder
- Losing a match after training hard stings
- Burnout creeps in when you overdo it
The emotional rollercoaster is real — but it’s also part of the experience.
3. The Joy Is in the Process Now
Before, “fun” meant hitting a clean forehand. Now, it means:
- Finally mastering a tricky serve placement
- Staying focused through a full set
- Seeing my fitness and footwork pay off in real-time
It’s a quieter, deeper kind of fun. Not the flashy Instagram highlight — but the private moment when you realise you’ve improved.
Enjoyment evolves from outcome to effort.
What Still Makes Tennis Fun (Even After a Year)
Despite the serious tone, I still absolutely love tennis. Here’s why:
✔ It clears my head
Every time I step on court, the rest of the world disappears. It’s just me, the ball, and the next point.
✔ It teaches me about myself
Tennis is emotional. It reveals your patience, discipline, frustration, focus — and helps you work on them.
✔ It gives me community
Matches, practice partners, random chats at tournaments — tennis has connected me with amazing people.
✔ It keeps me growing
There’s always something to improve. You’re never “done” with tennis — and I love that.
The game always gives something back — as long as you show up for it.
What I’ve Learned About Keeping It Enjoyable
After a year, I’ve realised you have to protect the joy — or risk burning out. Here’s how I’ve kept it fun:
- Mix it up — not every session needs to be high-stakes
- Play social matches — sometimes it’s okay not to compete
- Take rest seriously — recovery keeps the spark alive
- Celebrate small wins — a good return or smart rally matters
- Remember why you started — passion beats perfection
It’s okay to care deeply and still play with lightness.
Final Thoughts: Is It Still Fun?
Absolutely — but not in the same way it was at the beginning.
Tennis has become something more than just “fun” for me. It’s become:
- A discipline
- A ritual
- A space for growth
- And a reminder of who I want to be — consistent, resilient, focused, curious
The fun’s still there — it just lives deeper now.
So if you’re one year in, five years in, or just getting started:
Keep showing up. Keep loving the game. Even on the days it feels more like work than play.
Because that love? That’s what will carry you through the tough sessions and the great ones alike.
