United Fronts: Team tennis events provide refuge from solitary grind

“Tennis is a lonely sport, probably the most lonely. You’re out there with no team, no coach and no place to hide.”—Andre Agassi

Tennis prides itself on being a fiercely individual game. But scattered throughout the season are opportunities for the pros to take a break from the lonely grind and play as part of something bigger. These infrequent escapes are highlights for many players.

World Team Tennis, which began its 40th season last weekend, is a three-week traveling circus that gives pros a chance to play on a team while representing a city. I got an inside perspective on what it's like to be part of WTT by traveling to Boston to follow the hometown Lobsters around for their first two matches. Every member of the Lobsters stressed how great it was playing for a team, and they embrace the cities they represent, regardless of where they were from or how long had been part of the team. (Many WTT players have played for multiple teams in their careers.)

There's also Davis Cup, whose quarterfinal round takes place this weekend. Judging from all the gritty five-set battles we see during these international ties, the players clearly enjoy the honor representing their countries. “It’s exciting playing in the Davis Cup quarterfinals in front of a home crowd,” Great Britain’s Andy Murray said. “I also love playing as part of a team for my county.”

Donning a matching uniform (in WTT, at least—note Murray's colors and logo above) alongside your teammates is a special feeling, and it sets the tone that you’re playing for something other than yourself. The weight of being a pro in a solo sport is lifted from your shoulders, as other players help carry the load. The Boston Lobsters’ Alex Kuznetsov said that playing WTT was experiencing what other team sports, like baseball, are like year-round. Group dinners, team travel, and competitive practices are just some of the perks.

But team competition is still a huge adjustment, especially for dyed-in-the-wool pros. There are few worse feelings than performing badly in front of a group of peers rooting you on. Normally you can just blame yourself for a loss and sulk off; on a team, oftentimes you have to stay on court and cheer for another teammate. That was one of the hardest things I had to get used to while playing Division I college tennis, and it’s something WTT and Davis Cup players must do. Sometimes you feel as if a team loss is entirely your fault—which, although irrational, is in some ways logical for an athlete who is used to taking on all the blame.

But when it comes to team tennis, the pros outweigh the cons. On a team, you learn lessons in humility, selflessness, and patience. Selflessness was a huge factor for the Lobsters: Teammates would run to get water bottles or towels for each other on the sidelines; meals and practices were carefully coordinated so everyone was satisfied. No one objected to the lineup or argued with coach Jan-Michael Gambill. The players convened for the first time just days before their season opener, but represented a joint force on and off the court seamlessly.

Then there are the fans. At both WTT and Davis Cup matches, spectators are louder and more engaged. Team competition naturally creates a more electric atmosphere, and home-court advantage is a reality. In Boston, fans sported lobster claws and hats to show their support, and the stadium was nearly silent when a visiting team won a point.

Team competition is a rare treat in tennis. It adds flavor and color of all kinds for both players and fans—most of whom follow and enjoy popular team sports. Seeing more team tennis events throughout the year would be exciting for fans, and could give players much-needed breaks from their solitary routines.

Follow Nina on Twitter at @NinaPantic1.