A tennis player can lie to their father, mother, family, and friends, but they will never be able to deceive a good coach and keen observer. This is one of the most critical aspects of an athlete’s journey: the truth always comes out, and true dedication to tennis cannot be faked.

It’s easy to recognize when a player is not fully committed. However, many hopeful parents, eager for their child to become a great tennis player, often choose to ignore reality and deceive themselves. But the truth is simple to spot—just observe the player’s daily habits, their attitude in training, in tournaments, and even in everyday life. Genuine dedication and passion will always shine through, and without full commitment, the dream of becoming a great tennis player will fade away.

The worst-case scenario is when a player, knowing deep down that they are not giving their all, simply enjoys the lifestyle of a professional athlete—the travel, the hotels, the restaurants. While this may seem appealing, a true tennis player knows that sacrifice, discipline, and consistency are the real foundations of excellence. It’s not enough to just enjoy the life of a professional; one must be 100% committed to tennis.

A true tennis player knows exactly what they want and has clear objectives. They approach their career like a hunter, fully alert and aware of every detail:

  • Precise training schedules

  • Careful nutrition choices

  • Perfectly strung racquets

  • Regular stretching and physical conditioning

  • Physiotherapy and recovery treatments

  • Studying other players and their strategies

  • Respecting their body and prioritizing rest

They never deceive themselves. They are there to fight and win tournaments.

On the other hand, “dishonest tennis players” are those who:

  • Train inconsistently and without real focus

  • Eat poorly and waste time chatting instead of improving

  • Ignore match analysis and preparation

  • Prioritize hotel stays, dinners, and socializing over their sport

  • Neglect their racquets, equipment, and physical care

  • Live carelessly, without clear goals or commitment

There are also coaches who enable these players, continuing to collect a paycheck from parents rather than addressing the real issue. But this approach is wrong. For the good of tennis and professional integrity, it is essential to be honest with both players and parents. Continuing down this path only harms the player in the long run and damages the coach-player relationship.

Tennis is a sport that demands total commitment, sacrifice, and self-discipline. True champions never settle—they understand that every detail matters and that every step counts. If a player is not ready to push themselves with absolute dedication, the dream of becoming a great tennis player will remain just that—a dream.

Daily dedication is the key to turning dreams into reality.

by Federico Coppini
https://www.coppinifedericoacademy.com/