Something peculiar dawned on me this week. What used to be an encompassing and dedicated passion has slowly shifted further down the priority list. It's French Open time and even though I don't have a day job, I have only amassed a couple of hours watching those guys slide around on the red clay. Partial blame can be attributed to the heaviest coverage being on the Tennis Channel, which had to be struck from my finances. The ESPN coverage window only lasts from 5:00-9:00am, which is less than convenient.Regardless, I find myself looking at the draw and seeing so many unrecognizable names. That can only mean that I've been paying much less attention over the past three years. Inexcusable. What's even more dismal is my distance from playing the sport myself. That whole membership at a racquet club idea backfired in my face. Public courts in Chicago seem to be more of a waiting game than an actual opportunity to hit balls. And my strings are so loose that I'd be impressed if my racquet could push the ball over the net from the baseline.
So many excuses. Unacceptable. Maybe I don't have the time to dedicate to researching the best and brightest upcoming talent, like I did back in the high school and college days. I likely can't dedicate ten hour days to watching matches. And if I want to snag some court time, I'll have to put up with the parameters that the city necessitates. But ultimately, you have to make a priority of the things that mean something to you. Tennis, whether watching or playing, has always brought me joy. So, tomorrow I'm taking the first step toward reigniting the flame. There's no reason that I can't wake up an hour earlier and spend some quality time with the French Open. Now, hopefully there are men's matches on at that hour.
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