6-2, 6-1 by Violet

In any sport there is a huge discrepancy in male and female athletic ability- I would be the first to admit this. (with one caveat- Anabeth Fuller- see previous post) Particularly, there's a noticeable difference in tennis ability levels. However, in September, 1973, Billie Jean King easily defeated Bobby Riggs in a tennis match billed as the Battle of the Sexes. Violet Fuller, however, has not been able to match the level of many guys who have played tennis before. I can beat those who never play, but if they have every had a racquet in their hand before and know how to keep score- you can bet that I'm toast. But- I love playing tennis with guys- I play much better and and at a much higher level. I actually can't even remember the last time I played tennis with a girl- it must have been in high school, or college intramurals.

Until this spring I had only played a handful of time since undergrad, and only a couple more times since high school. I think I really got burned out when I was younger, I played every day for 2 hours a day for 6 years. You'd think that would actually make me good...

Anyway, I just recently started playing again with a friend in the MBA program. First time out- about three weeks ago was pretty rough, but somehow my serve came back to me immediately. Must have been those summers in eighth grade serving 100 balls before practice every day so that I would make varsity. Now that I think about it, I think I peaked in tennis ability in 8th grade and plateaued immediately after making varsity freshman year. I just kept playing because I liked the tennis skirts. When I started playing tennis before middle school, my mom said that I could only play in tennis skirts and refused to buy me athletic shorts. I now thank her for it- because if you are going to play- why not look cute?

So- it's been three long tennis sessions and I think I am finally getting into the swing of things... literally. Poor Nick for having to put up with my slow progression. First match was 6-1, 6-0. Second match was 6-1,6-0, 6-0. Those may or may not be correct, but at least Im not exaggerating the fact that I clearly got skunked the first two matches. Tonight's score however shows improvement. 6-2, 6-1. Although it still looks a little pathetic- winning 3 games against any guy who has ever played before is a feat in itself. Let alone that fact that I got an amazing ACE tonight. Nick couldn't even touch it. So I consider this my victory.

Although I'm not Billie Jean King, I really enjoy playing and have to say that it has been one of the best stress relievers over the past couple weeks. Through all the tests we have had lately, this has been both a great work out and a great chance to hit the ball as hard as I can to let out some of that studying tension. The game is also so much fun, all three times I haven't been able to wipe the smile off of my face. I love playing out there and have fun running all over the court. Even the motion of serving brings back really fun memories of playing tennis all summer. I cannot wait till I have more free time to play tennis in the near future- and I will keep taking the little victories where I can get them.

See picture below for my court celebration after blowing away Nick Taylor, MBA student, with my powerful and incredible ace.