I stared intently. My suffering seemed enjoyable to the arms of the clock. I was almost convinced they were moving slower each second. Every component of my body wanted to escape this torturous wait. My legs shook violently: it was as if they were to stride off and leave me rotting in the endless wastelands of my self-induced nerves. My heart was threatening to hop out of my chest, taking my oxygen-deprived lungs with it. My slippery hands were debating whether they’d launch off into space or take a moment to enjoy that sweat pool directly underneath them. I was a wreck. But as the front desk finally called my name, I managed to persuade those body parts to stay with me for the duration of the first tennis match of my life. And I’m so glad they cooperated, because that day I learned things I would carry with me for the rest of my life.
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As I approached the front desk I caught sight of my opponent. ‘What are the odds?’ I thought grimly, as I realized I was playing against the best player in the girls 14s draw. She looked at me with challenging eyes, a demeaning stare. The unintimidating girl was moderately tall, but in that moment I saw her as a cold-blooded giant. She underestimated me in a very convincing way: so convincing, I started to underestimate myself. Underestimation was the first mistake I made that day. You’re the only one who knows what’s possible for yourself; never let outside influences stir your
As I approached the front desk I caught sight of my opponent. ‘What are the odds?’ I thought grimly, as I realized I was playing against the best player in the girls 14s draw. She looked at me with challenging eyes, a demeaning stare. The unintimidating girl was moderately tall, but in that moment I saw her as a cold-blooded giant. She underestimated me in a very convincing way: so convincing, I started to underestimate myself. Underestimation was the first mistake I made that day. You’re the only one who knows what’s possible for yourself; never let outside influences stir your