I'm really tired of the idea that you either have talent or you're a "grinder." And if you have talent, you're this transcendental being, worthy of adoration and remembrance long into the future. If you're a grinder... well, you'll be applauded for your work ethic & little else.
This was something we heard in the 1990s, when Jim Courier was the best player in the world, and all we heard about was that he was "less talented" than Agassi and Sampras and Edberg and Becker.
I disliked it then (and I was a HUGE Sampras & Edberg fan) and I dislike it now.
I disliked it then (and I was a HUGE Sampras & Edberg fan) and I dislike it now.
"Talent" is so subjective, and it seems to boil down to aesthetics, at least as it's used in tennis. If you like the way X looks when they hit the ball, s/he is "talented." If you see them sweat and run and grunt and work hard, they're "grinders" but not necessarily "talented."
And more insidiously, those that "grind" aren't as worthy as admiration because they're just workhorses. It's the "talented" ones that should be admired. Because... ? They "touch the imagination" or some such BS, I guess?
It's seriously warped when you think about it. If you "grind" you're putting in the work. You're not relying on something you were born with, something you have little to no control over, to win.
This should be admired, but in the twisted world of tennis, it's sneered at.
This should be admired, but in the twisted world of tennis, it's sneered at.
Also: the players who are called "talented"? Most of them work hella hard. (I'm not discussing the exceptions here.) So-called "talent" doesn't win matches. Putting in the work, being willing to (gasp) grind when it's not going your way -- THAT wins matches.
One of the many things I love about tennis is that there are SO MANY ways to be good. Different styles can win matches, different philosophies can be matches... it's such a delightful kaleidoscope.
I wish we could just enjoy the differences. Admire the work, admire the different ways to be good. Admire the many ways players can inventively create magical moments on court.
-fini-
-fini-
PS: perfect point made to go along with this thread.
