The Quiet Corridor of French Success

May 18, 2010 · Print This Article
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to walk out onto Court Philippe Chatrier? The ambiance, the expectation, the chance of a lifetime, all blowing around in the meaningful Parisian wind.
Tennis’ biggest court could very well be the most intimidating for those who enter it. Although Ashe Stadium in New York allows for the most cheers; Chatrier court provides the grandest canvas (per square foot) for world’s best dirt ballers to slide at ease.

That feeling of caged silence before being trust in front of the world, must be quite a thrill. Being called from the players’ lounge by a tournament official is one thing, but it’s clearly another to walk down that quiet corridor—which is draped with past champions caressing their hardware—while remaining in captivated silence of what’s about to happen.

The unknown is certainly a frightening proposition—even for those who have experienced it time and time again. There is no question that nerves become a prevalent factor in competition, considering the ongoing modo of all the game’s past and current champions: “When the nerves are gone, it’s time to quit.”
Thus, with the nerves in place, and the heart-thumbing silence a constant reminder that it’s time to go to work, how do the best players in the world cope with what they can’t control?
We’ve seen Rafael Nadal anxiously move back and forth in jumping jack anticipation before heading out to his favorite play-ground. With his racket already in hand, and his bandanna already showing signs of sweat, the four-time champion remains preoccupied with his heightened heart-rate before his introduction.
How about Roger Federer? The stoic self-assured defending champion seldom gives away any hand in his deck. Waiting around patiently before his name is announced, Federer’s customary monogram jacket is zipped up to perfection, while having one hand tucked away neatly in his pocket. If Federer is nervous, or if he’s bracing himself for a whirlwind of emotions, he certainly does a stellar job of not giving anything away.
But how about the lesser known players? Players who have either qualified for the event or have been given the good grace of a wildcard? Do they handle the moment in the same vein as Nadal and Federer, or do they suffer to a greater degree because of their lack of experience?
While walking from the players’ lounge to the Center Court corridor, the anxiety a player feels is likely irrespective of their achievements. Sure, it doesn’t hurt to have 16 Grand Slams, or 18 Masters titles placed on your mantle back home, but there’s always something about a new match, a new day, that must be addressed.
Like any other profession, tennis players are required to prove their merit on a daily basis. Losing in the first-round of an event after winning the title on numerous occasions, will only be overshadowed by the current score-line. The “what have you done for me lately,” scenario, doesn’t only apply to those on Wall Street, or the employee at the month at Dairy Queen.
I suppose, though, that dealing with the nail-biting anticipation of competing in Philippe Chatrier’s history might be the most cherished part of the process. The mental energy has already been put forth to devise an adequate game-plan; the off-court fitness has been in place for quite sometime, and that extra consumption of carbohydrates and water has been given time to digest—it’s go time!
With the year’s second Major championships less than a week away, the unconscious impatience has already began to mount for all those involved.
Whether it’s talking to your coach, or customizing up your desired string tension for the respective weather conditions, that sense, or reminder of the quiet corridor to French success has began to resonate.
Even for those who have yet to walk that long, well manicured path to proposed Center Court glory, that feeling, or thought of what may lie ahead, is not easily avoidable.
Sometimes, it’s those intimate moments of self-reflection that allow for the greatest rewards to be achieved. As we all sit back and prepare ourselves for the enjoyable chaos of Roland Garros next week, let’s take a moment and try to imagine what it would feel like to be placed in that surreal moment right before heading onto Center Court?
I’m not sure if I’ll ever know that feeling to be honest, but I think I have a pretty good idea of what it means to those involved.


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