For example, when you meet up with someone after one of their matches you should never ever ask "Did you win?" unless you are certain this player has won. Otherwise, there is a strong chance that this person lost (remember 1 out of 2 players lose). If your friend lost you might as well insert your foot in your mouth.
A better way to broach the subject is to ask "Did you play well?". This way, as the saying goes, it's not all about winning....it is about how you played the game. Plus if this person won their match they can be the one who tells you the good news.
Finally, there is the dreaded "Did you have fun?". This line is reserved for those players who you are pretty sure lost their match and you don't even want to bring up the win/lose thing at all. Your goal here is to get in and out of the conversation quickly so that you can move on to pressing items like dinner plans.
Just in case you are wondering how I did in Fort Lauderdale.....
I had fun. I had a shitload of fun. Thanks for asking.
3 comments:
It's nice to hear that you had fun.
I believe that tennis is such a great game. Particularly in the club circuit. Particularly playing doubles. It's not at all about winning.
Returing to the locker room with a smile on your face is so much more satisfying.
And THAT is the most important thing! Sounds like a fun time... and I am sure NEXT time "you will have played well"!
It was nice meeting you in Fort Lauderdale. Lots of great guys out there! I'll see you in Orlando in a month and a half. Just make sure the weather is better than Lauderdale!
Michael
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