I have always admired the great sport of tennis and it has always been a great passion of mine. Even though I no longer play competitively, I still play for fun with family and friends. No matter how I play, I am always determined to try my best and give 100% effort all the time, on and off the court. Tennis is something that keeps me motivated. I played in high school and above is a picture of me and some of my friends from the team. We had a rough season , it was our last season before going off to college. Even though the results from the matches weren't in our favor, everyone gave it their all and we all were like brothers to each other. From beginning to end, we had fun and that is all that matters.

I still remember learning how to play tennis as a young boy. I was about six years old and my cousins taught me the basics, from serving to strokes, I picked everything up very quickly and the rest was just a matter of time. I took my very first serves on the tennis court they used to have in their backyard. Even though they don't live in that house anymore, I still go to the local park near my house and play. In middle school, I wanted to go out for the team, but all of my friends at the time were track runners and of course that what was I wanted to do.

Once high school began, I knew tennis was my calling. I followed my heart and made the team, from there things got better for me. I was making so many new friends, I still talk to a few of them every now and then. Although there was Junior Varsity and Varsity. That didn't intimidate me, as a matter of fact, I didn't even care. As long as I enjoyed playing and I was respected by my coaches and teammates alike, that is all that mattered to me. As a matter of fact, I really don't believe in the whole idea of labels. Nothing should set you back or define you. Everyone offers something unique that someone else might not be able to offer. But the reason I don't believe in labeling is, everyone should be able to be their own person.

For me, I have followed people way too often and it is only now that I am learning to do what I love and that is tennis, writing and just having a great time! But back to tennis, I also look forward to the US Open every year! There is always that sense of excitement, pride and joy that I feel when I watch the US Open. I have a whole list of favorite players, from, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray, all the way to Sharapova and the Williams sisters!

I myself enjoy playing both singles and doubles matches, but I prefer to play singles matches just because there is more room on the court. I like to watch doubles matches, I feel there is more action since there are more people on the court.

That is basically my tennis story. It has always been one of my favorite things to do. I hope one day, someone can read this article and become inspired to play tennis from reading this article!