Of Tennis players and Lawyers This Lenten Season

By Atty. Eduardo T. Reyes III

Much has been said about tennis and the law but this column has yet to talk about tennis players and lawyers.

Since it is Lenten Season which is usually a time for self-reflection, this columnist who is both a tennis player and lawyer has summoned some of the principles that respected tennis players and lawyers live by.

Here are some key points that tennis players and lawyers adhere to and many of us should always remember.

Etiquette. It is interesting to note that both tennis players and lawyers have as their areas of domain what is called- the court. Being a “court,” it is a given that certain rules have to be followed when playing in, or appearing before, the court. Yet, what is more relevant today is the unwritten rules or etiquette that must be observed by tennis players and lawyers in their respective courts.  Radicalism has no place in either court. Andre Agassi during his time became famous for his colorful tennis outfits with neon design. However, when he needed to play at Wimbledon, where only white is allowed, he had to mute his colors to comply with the etiquette. In the courts of justice, colorful language is also not allowed and the same could even warrant the contempt of the court.

Another case in point, in tennis, when the ball clips the net and falls to the opponent’s side of the court, even if it’s a point for the hitter’s favor, the hitter does not usually rejoice. Instead, he/she apologizes as the point is earned not by a winning shot or by skill, but rather by luck.

Seniority. There are mentors who have once upon a time shared some lessons and insights and even inspired tennis players and lawyers when they were still novices. The words “Sir” or “Ma’am” have been customarily used to address a former teacher or mentor. Yet, there are some who, just because they have become lawyers, they no longer call their mentors as such. In the tennis world, too, some youngsters who have had some degree of success, easily forget their mentors and literally pass them by as if they are unacquainted with one another.

One poignant moment in tennis was when Roger Federer, who was still a teenager, had beaten the great Pete Sampras at Center Court in Wimbledon. Although Federer rejoiced after the win, he had profuse words of praise for his “idol,” Sampras.

                Fundamentals. It is logical that when one has a mentor, the latter would always remind about the fundamentals of the game. In tennis, form is important. Speaking with one seasoned tennis player who once coached abroad, he emphasized the importance of form. Form may not earn points in a game but it will make everything else right. Tennis may be glamorous in terms of outfits and shoes and other accoutrements. But it still boils down to the correct form. There is grace in the coordinated movement of the split step, the backswing of the arm, the swing and the follow through. Unfortunately, many tennis players nowadays would prioritize getting the ball into the court opposite the net regardless of form. In tennis, in lawyering, and in life in general, cutting corners is a mortal sin. We adhere to the correct form because it is part of the game. We learn the basics because that is what the game is all about.

                Class. Most important, in tennis, in lawyering, and in life in general, everything must be done with class. Not the “elitist class,” but rather class in terms of manners, in having a sense of gratitude, in avoiding coarse language, and in general demeanor. Class also means according respect to other people, even adversaries in the tennis court, or the courtroom, by displaying only courteous behavior.

Recently, one tennis player who has displayed class at such a young age is Alex Eala. After beating three grand slam champions, she remained humble by speaking in interviews alluding to Filipinos as her inspiration and that she wanted to inspire them back. In such a huge stage at the Miami Open, mentioning the country where you come from is such an act of humility and speaks of great class.

The Holy Week has always been used as a time for reflection. It means introspection. The tennis world, the legal world, and the world in general, are full of challenges. It may be a game, a profession, or living life in general. We play, we practice, we live life, always in proper form.

A game or a case may be lost; luck may have run out in life; but when we have the composure to get back to position, make a split step, swing back, and with the proper form, hit the ball with determination; then in the end, we have never lost in life at all.

(The author is the senior partner of ET Reyes III & Associates (ETRIIILaw)– a law firm based in Iloilo City. He is a litigation attorney, a law professor, MCLE lecturer, bar reviewer and a book author. Among the books he authored is Law on Property and Essentials of Land Registration [2024 Edition] which was on the bestseller’s list in online shops for several months. His website is etriiilaw.com).