Tennis. What comes to mind when you hear this? Not much I presume; you probably just think about it as a sport and occasionally check on some of the matches, unless of course you’re a diehard fan. But what better way to understand it than to play it? Once you begin, you step into a world of wonder, anticipation and infinite euphoria.  

So why is tennis beneficial and why am I suddenly talking about it? Recently on the news, there have been many articles about the ongoing tournaments such as the Dubai Tennis Championships, going on from 18th – 24th February and the San Diego Open from 26th February-3rd March (still ongoing) and it piqued my interest that there are thousands of people going to watch these matches, so there must be something enchanting about it in order to have them all tightly wrapped in the palm of this racquet sport.  

Of course, I have my personal experience as to why tennis is absolutely brilliant. I started playing tennis when I was 5 years old and from then on it captivated me. The only thing that could drag me away (but not for long) was the recent pandemic, Covid 19. But many of you out there in the world are indifferent to it so this article is dedicated to you.  

Tennis is a great cardiovascular workout. The sport requires constant movement, agility, and quick reflexes, which makes it an excellent way to improve cardiovascular health and endurance. There are a variety of movements such as sprinting constantly to hit the ball and taking sudden and sharp turns to be ready for the next shot. And that’s not all! There are plenty of arm movements used when smashing the ball back at your opponent.  

Furthermore, tennis requires in-depth thinking as you constantly predict where the ball will go, not just depending on what type of shot and how your opponent will hit it, but also how you hit it and your shot. Players need to analyse their opponent's strategies and change their game plan accordingly while simultaneously maintaining their focus under pressure (and not thinking about when the game will end!)  

But all of the above, will come with flow. The more you play, the better you get. By playing tennis, you build up these skills and do exercise. By exercising, you get fitter, and it releases endorphins – the body's natural mood elevators - and the levels of the body's stress hormones are reduced. 

Moreover, tennis is a sport for all ages and skill levels and along with this, there is a lot of fun and enjoyment. Whether it’s played competitively or maybe just for fun, tennis builds a bond among players, and you never know, you might just meet some new friends.  

It’s true; sometimes you win, sometimes you lose but each time you take something from it, to make a better you, not just in tennis terms but also in other aspects such as your character and your approach to life. So, if you haven’t yet been anywhere near playing tennis, give it a go. After all, how would you know if you don’t try?