The Quiet Strength of Tennis

The recent U.S. Open quarterfinal match between Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz has left many in awe of their physical prowess on court. However, it’s a testament to Arthur Stanwood Pier’s 1903 essay in The Atlantic that we are reminded once again of the quiet strength that tennis embodies.

Pier argued that tennis “is entitled to the place of supremacy among games,” and his words remain more relevant today than ever. Unlike sports like football, which were touted as ideal arenas for masculinity, Pier saw something different in tennis: a sport that requires physical exercise, intellectual challenge, and psychological fortitude without demanding aggression or violence.

In contrast to football’s macho posturing, Pier asked whether the perils of such sports were truly worth it. He posed a question that resonates today: what if we valued sports that built strength without sacrificing our humanity? Tennis offers a different kind of strength - one that combines physical prowess with intellectual and psychological challenge.

The game’s subtle graces, which Pier so eloquently described, are still evident in the modern game. Top-level tennis requires complex calculations, fluid coordination, and elegant arcs of movement that demand a level of skill and finesse distinct from raw power.

Pier’s tribute to tennis highlights an often-overlooked aspect of sports: their potential for cultivating kindness and compassion. In an era where sports are increasingly commodified and brutalized, it’s refreshing to remember that they can promote values like fair play, respect, and humility.

The success of Shelton and Alcaraz on court is a testament to the enduring appeal of tennis as a sport that rewards finesse over brute force. As we watch them dance around the court, we are reminded of Pier’s words: “Is not this one of life’s priceless treasures?”

A Different Kind of Strength

The strength that tennis embodies is distinct from the kind prized by football’s proponents. It combines physical exercise with intellectual and psychological challenge without demanding aggression or violence.

Pier’s description of match play highlights this unique aspect of tennis, where players strive together, learning to love one another through their shared struggle on court. This is a different kind of strength - one that goes beyond physical prowess to include kindness and compassion.

In an era where sports are increasingly brutalized, it’s refreshing to remember that they can be a force for good. Tennis offers a unique opportunity for athletes to develop attributes like fair play, respect, and humility.

The Legacy of Pier’s Essay

Pier’s essay in The Atlantic has had a lasting impact on the way we think about tennis. His assertion that tennis is entitled to supremacy among games was radical at the time, but it resonates today as we witness the quiet strength of players like Shelton and Alcaraz.

Pier’s words also highlight the often-overlooked aspect of sports: their potential for cultivating kindness and compassion. In an era where sports are increasingly commodified and brutalized, it’s refreshing to remember that they can promote values like fair play, respect, and humility.

The Modern Game

The modern game of tennis is a far cry from the “lawn tennis” that Pier described in 1903. Yet, despite advances in technology and training methods, the subtle graces of the game remain evident.

Players like Shelton and Alcaraz are the embodiment of this quiet strength - combining physical prowess with intellectual and psychological challenge. Their games are a testament to the enduring appeal of tennis as a sport that rewards finesse over brute force.

What This Means for Sports

The success of tennis players like Shelton and Alcaraz has significant implications for the world of sports. It challenges us to reevaluate our priorities - to value strength, kindness, and compassion above aggression and violence.

As we watch these athletes compete on court, we are reminded that sports can be a force for good. They have the potential to promote values like fair play, respect, and humility - qualities essential for building strong communities and fostering social cohesion.

The quiet strength of tennis is a reminder that sports can be more than just about winning or losing. They can cultivate kindness, compassion, and humanity. As we watch the likes of Shelton and Alcaraz on court, let us not forget the enduring legacy of Pier’s essay - a testament to the power of tennis to bring out the best in us all.

The game may have changed since Pier’s time, but its essence remains the same: a sport that rewards finesse over brute force, kindness over aggression. As we celebrate the success of our athletes, let us also celebrate the quiet strength of tennis - a treasure that is truly priceless.