Longing for Tennis: A Reflection on FOMO and Rediscovering Passion
The U.S. Open tennis tournament is in full swing, breaking attendance records and drawing in massive crowds. Despite the long lines and throngs of people, one tennis fan expressed that it felt like Black Friday at Walmart. This sentiment may deter some from attending, but for one writer, the allure of the tournament was too strong to resist.
As a self-proclaimed tennis fan, the writer has always felt a deep connection to the sport. Tennis has been a defining aspect of their identity, providing a bridge to other sports fans and a means of escaping the cerebral world of literature. However, despite their love for the game, the writer admits to falling out of touch with tennis in recent years, especially since the retirement of legends like Roger Federer and Serena Williams.
A chance encounter with a fellow tennis enthusiast in Dublin reignited the writer’s passion for the sport. As they discussed upcoming tournaments and players, the writer realized how much they had missed being actively engaged in the tennis world. The excitement and anticipation of attending events like Wimbledon and the U.S. Open sparked a longing in the writer to rekindle their love for tennis.
Reflecting on their FOMO (fear of missing out) for this year’s U.S. Open, the writer acknowledges the value of embracing passions and accumulating enthusiasms. They see their longing for tennis as an opportunity to open themselves up to new experiences and rediscover the joy of following the sport. Despite feeling a bit silly for describing their FOMO as grief, the writer recognizes the importance of holding onto the things that bring them joy and enrich their identity.
As the U.S. Open finals approach, the writer is eager to re-engage with the world of tennis and immerse themselves in the excitement of the tournament. With American players making a strong showing in both the men’s and women’s finals, the writer is ready to dive back into the world of tennis and embrace their passion once again.