So…it’s here. US Open 2008 Flushing Meadows. And once again, I’m rooting for my favorite Spaniard, Rafa Nadal. He played a three setter with American Ryler DeHeart tonight, who showed some great spirit.

i think tennis is my favorite sport because of its parallel to life. As in other sports, there’s a real psychology to tennis, but because you’re playing against one other person, it draws such a comparison to relationships. To watch the antagonism, frustration, joy and respect that occurs on the court reminds me of our daily interactions with each other as human beings. Tennis gives me inspiration because I draw from it. I remember watching Agassi at Wimbledon (live) when he was two sets down against Todd Martin, and he came out of it and won the match. It reminds me not to give up when the chips are down, to always fight and shoot for the reward. NO MATTER WHAT. Sometimes I may lose in the process, but the rewards can be oh-so-great if I persist and win.

I was reminded of a patient a few days ago who filled out a medical history questionnaire. In the section asking about her psychological history she responded: “I have chosen to remain single for the rest of my life. I have experienced extreme abuse with my family and have decided it’s not worth taking the risk getting hurt in the future.” While I can empathize with her statement, it made me feel sad because she has given up the fight. She has decided that it’s too scary putting herself out there. She’s down two sets and down 0-40 in the third and has decided she doesn’t want to win. Even if she got a clothing sponsorship and some fierce Babolat racquets, she’s lost her serve and let life throw as many aces at her as possible.  I wanted to scream at her, FIGHT! IT’S WORTH IT! STOP PLAYING FROM THE BASELINE ALL THE TIME AND GO UP TO THE NET!EVEN IF YOU LOSE, YOU’LL LEARN SOMETHING FOR THE NEXT GAME! But, of course, that’s a message that only you can tell yourself. If you’re not ready to hear it, it doesn’t matter who yells and screams at you.

So as you watch the U.S. Open this year, think about how tennis and life are one and the same.