Game, Set, Chuckle: A Decade of Laughs and Lobs

For more than ten years, tennis has been more than just a game to me—it's been a passion, a source of growth, and a journey filled with valuable experiences. While I work in Learning and Development, tennis has always been my cherished side pursuit, enriching my life in countless ways.

My journey began with small steps as I started playing tennis ten years ago and coaching about 5 years ago. Balancing my role in L&D with coaching, I found myself drawn to the courts of prestigious resorts and associations, such as Sheraton Maldives, Soneva Jani, Soneva Fushi Maldives, Nautilus & Nova Maldives, and the Sri Lanka Tennis Association in Colombo. It was here that I honed my coaching skills, sharing my love for the sport with learners and guests from around the world.

Throughout my journey, I've had the privilege of learning from some incredible coaches. From Coach Chandaka (SLTA) to mentors like Coach Iulian Horge, Coach Ariane Thib, Coach Ahmed Afsar (fondly known as Mama), Coach Millis Heimklo , Coach Anette Munozova Coach Chris Halliday , Coach Martin, Coach Avinash Kaushal and the legendary Coach Jonas Bj?rkman, each has left a lasting impression on me. Not to forget, my brother Chaitanya Solanki (Ph.D.) , who inspired me to get into the sport and has always been there to answer my tennis-related questions. Their guidance and support have shaped me not only as a coach but also as a person. And my sparring partners made me the player I am today - Rithik Aggarwal , Kunal Maste Ishaan Singh Pratyush Mohapatra Brian McLaren Kapil Subramoniam Ivet Draganova Jean-Louis Ripoche Jean-Sebastien Saleem Lakkhita Kodituwakku

Tennis isn't just about mastering skills; it's also about self-discovery and growth. For me, it's been a place of solace amidst life's chaos. The court is where I confront challenges, overcome doubts, and emerge stronger, both on and off the court. It's where stress fades away, replaced by the joy of playing the game I love.

After years of playing and coaching, I had a dream—to organize a tennis tournament that would bring people together. In 2023, that dream came true as I hosted my first tennis tournament. The love and participation we received exceeded all expectations, showing me the power of tennis to unite and inspire.

In the midst of my exciting tennis journey, something important happened that reminded me to take care of myself. It was a really hot day, and instead of bringing my usual water bottle to the game, I brought a tasty mix of Orange, Carrot & Lemon juice in a copper container. But this decision led to a big problem I didn't expect.

As I played more matches, I started feeling dehydrated and tired without realizing it. I began to feel dizzy, weak, and my stomach hurt a lot. Eventually, I collapsed on the court, which was a scary situation.

Luckily, there was a resort ambulance buggy nearby, and my colleagues quickly took me to get help. Upon examination, a startling revelation came to light: the acidity of lemon juice, or any citric fruit for that matter, hastens the corrosion of copper utensils, thereby escalating copper leaching into the contents.

With quick medical care and drinking coconut water and ORS, I started feeling better, but it was a tough experience.

After I got better, I decided to share this lesson with others, especially my fellow players and students. I told them about what happened to me and stressed how important it is to eat and drink properly before playing sports. I also warned them to be careful about the containers they use for their drinks.

This whole experience taught me a lot. It showed me that even when things go wrong, we can learn important lessons. It reminded me that tennis isn't just about winning; it's about taking care of ourselves and the people around us on the journey.

Another pivotal moment in my tennis journey unfolded during my inaugural tournament experience at Kurumba Maldives. The setting was nothing short of surreal, with a diverse array of participants from across the globe converging upon the courts. From seasoned professionals and seasoned amateurs to enthusiastic rookies and dedicated support personnel, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation.

As I immersed myself in the event, I found myself captivated by the intensity of each match. While some of my peers were content to simply enjoy the spectacle, my focus was squarely on soaking in every aspect of the tournament. I vividly recall witnessing a professional player in action for the first time, marveling at the skill displayed by competitors wielding double-handed forehands and double-handed backhands. The eclectic nature of the tournament was highlighted when I witnessed a referee don a player's attire and seamlessly transition into a match participant.

Time seemed to warp as I navigated through the tournament, reminiscent of a child's first visit to Disneyland. However, my daydreaming was interrupted when my own match was announced. Facing off against a player representing the host resort, Kurumba, I was acutely aware of the overwhelming support rallying behind my opponent.

As the match progressed, I found myself trailing behind, my opponent swiftly securing a commanding lead (5-0). I had to persevere despite the odds stacked against me.

Reflecting on those past experiences, I realized the distinction between losing a match and succumbing to the feeling of defeat. While my opponent demonstrated superior skill and enjoyed the backing of the home crowd, I resolved not to let myself be defined by the outcome. Drawing inspiration from a famous verse I heard in a bollywood movie, I started humming -

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????-???? ?? ?????????

?? ???? ?? ?????, ?? ???? ?????

??????? ??? ???????, ????????

?? ??? ??? ?? ?? ?? ??? ?? ????, (ZNMD)

I embraced a newfound sense of liberation and determination.

With each stroke, I shed the weight of self-doubt and inhibition, allowing myself to fully immerse in the joy of the game. Despite ultimately falling short in the match (7-5), I departed the court with a renewed sense of purpose, buoyed by the supportive applause of both spectators and resort management alike.

In that moment, I made a solemn vow to myself—to approach every match as an opportunity for growth, regardless of the outcome. Embracing the role of a gracious loser, I pledged to extract valuable lessons from each defeat, continually striving to refine my skills and elevate my performance.

From that day forward, I carried with me a steadfast resolve—to never allow defeat to overshadow my passion for the game, but rather to let it fuel my determination to emerge stronger with each challenge.

Looking back on my tennis journey, I'm filled with gratitude—for the opportunities, the lessons, and the memories made. Tennis isn't just a sport; it's a lifelong journey that I'm grateful to be a part of. As I look ahead, I do so with renewed passion and determination, eager to continue this extraordinary journey, both on and off the court.