Do you look like you can play tennis? That might seem like
an odd question and every once in awhile I am fooled but
generally I can tell how good a player is with the first
impression. There are certain things that good players
have in common that let you know they are serious about
the game. Here are just a few of the things that standout
for me:
Matching racquets - It isn't a must to have extra racquets
but good players know the value of making sure their
backup racquet is almost the same as the racquet they
normally play. If you are using a wooden racquet at this
point I'm not liking your chances at the US Open.
Proper shoes - I had a friend once whose first round
opponent came out in cowboy boots. I doubt if this will
happen in your lifetime but it was a pretty sure bet my
friend was going to win the match. Good players wear
court shoes not running shoes.
Bag - Most good players have some sort of bag they take
on the court. This can be a thermal bag for the racquets,
a backpack, a small court bag, etc. Your bag is a good
place to keep extra socks, t-shirts, sunscreen and other
items you might need during your match. A player walking
out bouncing his/her one racquet against their shoe has
"beginner" written all of them.
Shirt/Short/Skirt/Dress - It isn't the most important
thing to have the most expensive outfit on the court but
looking good makes you feel good and feeling good helps
you play good! I don't think I would look that great
in the outfit Kournikova wore at the Australian Open but
it did inspire me to make sure my shirt and shorts
matched.
You may or may not agree with my ideas on how a good
tennis player looks. Of course Lleyton Hewitt could
use a wooden racquet with a press and no bag, wear
running shoes, and probably wear Anna's outfit and
still beat most opponents. However I would suggest
trying that after you win your first grand slam
event.
