Dear Tennis | Andreea Peteu

Dear Tennis, 

We go way back… 

I still remember the very first day – the first time I picked up a tennis racket. I was 8, wore two braids, and had no idea what the coach was trying to say to me. We’ve come a long way. I’m sure you do remember that day, too. A few things have changed since then. That 8-year-old girl is now 22, graduating college, and finding it very hard to say goodbye. 

You have seen me grow, through the years. You have seen me cry with laughter and you have seen me struggle! You might not know this but there were many times when I wanted to walk away from you. I am so glad I stayed though! 

You gave me an opportunity to see so many places. But most of all, you gave me an opportunity to meet so many people. You helped me form relationships that I only hope will last a lifetime. I am truly grateful for all of these! You helped me understand what it means to be a part of a team. I will miss all those moments crammed in the van with those girls I came to love. I will miss the competition and the cheering, the locker room chats, the adrenaline that is at 3-3, the pressure of the deuce points, slamming my forehand down the line, and especially going for shots which are really hard to make.

We’ve had quite an interesting relationship...
You were my escape. But at times, you were what I needed to escape from.  
You were the reason why I would jump around excitedly. But you also brought me to my knees.  

There are some things that I regret, and I would like to apologize to you!  
I am sorry for the bad things I said about you…I do not believe them!  
I am sorry for the times when I wanted you to leave me alone for good. All the moments that you made me struggle were not actually your fault.  

You were always good. It was what I made of you that caused me pain. Now I know! And I am sorry that I made you something that you were never meant to be. You are a gift from God! I am sorry for the times that I did not treat you as such and for the times that I could not see just how wonderful you are! 

In the end, I did learn who I am and also who I am not. I am not the matches that I lost. I am not the countless double faults I committed. I am not even the victories that I won. I am, however, blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know you!

While you may not see me as often anymore, I guarantee this is not the last you will see of me! I’ll still be around! I am truly thankful for all the moments that we shared. You have forever touched my life! I already miss you!

Love,