Embracing the Game: A Cancer Survivor's Renewed Perspective on Tennis

After a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, the author's relationship with tennis has undergone a profound transformation. Once consumed by the pursuit of victory, she now finds joy in the simple act of playing, with winning becoming a bonus rather than the ultimate goal.

A Powerful Shift in Priorities

From Competitive Obsession to Grateful Appreciation

The author's journey with tennis was once marked by an intense drive to climb the ranks and secure a spot on a top team. She meticulously prepared for matches, carefully selecting her attire and employing various pre-game rituals to psych herself up. The pressure to perform weighed heavily, and the author often found herself unraveling when a match slipped away.However, everything changed the day the author was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2022. Suddenly, the high-stakes world of competitive tennis paled in comparison to the new battle she faced. Her focus shifted from her partner on the court to a team of doctors and surgeons who would guide her through this life-altering challenge.

Embracing a Deeper Appreciation for the Game

The transition from player to patient was a humbling experience. The author's competitive nature evaporated as she grappled with mortality and made difficult decisions about her treatment. Gone were the days of obsessing over every shot and strategizing to outmaneuver her opponents. Instead, the author found herself relying on friends and family for basic needs during her recovery from a double mastectomy.In the aftermath of her cancer battle, the author has gained a renewed appreciation for the simple joys of tennis. She no longer arrives on the court searching for problems, but rather soaks in the sun and savors the graceful movements of the players, including her own. The reward is now in the act of playing, rather than the pursuit of victory. Winning has become a bonus, not the driving force.

Navigating a Changed Body and Mindset

The author's physical transformation has also influenced her approach to the game. Due to the removal of lymph nodes, her serves and overheads are no longer as powerful, and she now takes a step back from the net to protect her reconstructed breasts. These changes have required her to adapt her game, but she embraces the challenge with a newfound sense of resilience.Emotionally, the author has also undergone a profound shift. She no longer finds herself consumed by the ruthlessness of hyper-competitive tennis, where players target each other's weaknesses, both physically and emotionally. The author now values the sisterhood of her former teammates and the camaraderie they shared, but she is not willing to sacrifice her newfound perspective on the game.

Embracing a New Path Forward

As the author contemplates her future on the tennis court, she is honest with herself about the uncertainties that lie ahead. She is unsure if she will ever again beat a top-notch opponent or play another season for her team. When asked by her team captain about her availability for the next season, the author's response is a thoughtful "We'll see."The author's journey has taught her that the high she once derived from a great shot is no longer the sole driving force. Now, it's about so much more – the grace of the game, the appreciation for her own resilience, and the realization that her greatest victory has already been won: beating cancer.