It is on the tennis court that one creates or exhibits a response to danger and defeat, to tiredness, to surprise or bad luck, and also to bad behavior as one confronts it in a cantankerous opponent. All of these experiences have their precise parallels in ordinary life. One is similarly tested as to his or her capacity to care for the welfare of the team instead of being absorbed in one's private progress. The care and self-discipline that one employs in preparation for the tennis match is likely to be the same that will be used in getting ready to face life's larger roles. There are some people whom you will not like to play against, but that feeling never relates to the score but to the manner in which the opponent is or is not sensitive to your feelings.
All human encounters are opportunites for relationship.
One is never good with the big ones unless he or she is good with the little ones. Some will disagree, but I think it is true. Your life will largely be defined by the nature and quality of the relationships you are part of and to which you contribute. When you are on the court it is always your character that is being created and tested. If the opponent is nasty, it is wise not to get angry in return.