Tennis - Taking a Break

Marat Safin is not going to be playing tennis for a while and told his coach that he needs a break. After winning the Australian Open in 2005, Safin has not been playing to his potential. Having dropped into 74th place overall, he has decided to stop playing for now and move on to other things. This is very common for players to leave the game for awhile and return later on. Safin, who is twenty-six, has a few years to decide what it is he wants to do with his career.

His coach Peter Lundren, who help Safin and others win major tournaments understands his players need to leave the court in order to find himself. Lundgren, who has coached Roger Federer and Marcelo Rios may be coaching Safin again in the near future, but for now, respects his need for time away from the courts. Players who have been playing for most of their lives may want to find other interests, visit friends or family, or may even want to start a totally new career.

Leaving tennis is what all players must do eventually. It is wise to have another skill or job interest on the side so that they can remain profitable and enjoy their lives. Having a sense of purpose outside the tennis courts should be encouraged because a person can only win matches for so long before their bodies will not let them anymore. This is the only drawback to sports is that the body can only take so much physical activity before it gives up.