A ball is tossed into the air, the warm spring sun beating down on it. Then, before the wind takes hold of it, it is smacked with a large racquet. Over the net it goes and hits the hard concrete court.
The sport of tennis is played in matches on 78 by 27 or 36 feet courts (differing in size based on single or double matches), which are often hard (concrete or asphalt), grass or clay, with a 42-inch net bisecting through the middle.
The goal of a player and ultimately what scores points is hitting the ball into the opposition’s side of the court and having it either hit the ground twice inside or outside the boundaries.
There are many strategies for play, many of which FHS French teacher Dahnya Chop enjoys.
“Every point is different, and you are constantly making choices,” Chop said.
Tennis is a school-sanctioned sport in the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) for girls and boys with over 150 courts in the state. The sport grew in popularity in Indiana starting in the 1960s and is most popular in New Haven and Indianapolis, according to TeachMe.To.
The sport can be done recreationally on courts located in neighborhoods, parks and community centers, but also competitively through school and clubs.
Sophomore Abeer Khan has played tennis for the school since 7th grade, but prior to that she partook in the sport “for fun.”
“Tennis appealed to me as a sport that isn’t messy and is easy to improve with,” Khan said. “I’m going to play throughout high school because I love the people on our team.”
Kshetra Singarapu, another FHS sophomore on the school team, finds tennis fun for different reasons.
“I’ve been playing tennis for 6-7 years and I really love it,” Singarapu said. “I love being a part of a team but still get to play by myself and have my freedom.”
In tennis, players can have either one or two to a team per match. This means up to four people can participate in a match. Players can play for multiple clubs depending on the contract and availability.
“I belong to three tennis clubs and participate in USTA matches all over the city,” Chop said. “I get up early most days to work out and then tennis is an after-school activity. However, in the summer, it might be three times a day.”
Tennis can be a big time commitment for people involved through the school or multiple clubs like Chop, so it’s important to the players to manage time effectively.
“I do lots of other extracurriculars and volunteer activities, so being productive during downtime helps a lot,” Khan said.
Tennis is a sport that can be played at several different levels and ages, but it is important to note the rules of the game and the attention to time it takes to participate. Even with the variations, many find it entertaining.
“I have fun, and I love playing with my friend and meeting new people.” Singarapu said.
