Playing A Tennis Match

PLAYING A TENNIS MATCH under the broiling sun tests anyone’s limits. In the 2002 Australian Open, Jennifer Capriati showed her determination to defeat both the elements and her opponent.

For the second straight year, the Florida native faced Martina Hingis in the tournament final. Unlike their previous encounter, the Swiss player dominated the American early in the match.

After trailing 5–1 in the first set, Capriati rallied but still lost 4–6. The three-time Australian Open champion continued to overwhelm Capriati in set two, taking a 4–0 lead.

Capriati again fought back and fended off three match points to close the margin to 5–6. She won the next game to force a tiebreaker. Then, facing another match point at 6–7, the defending champion won three straight points to claim the second set 9–7.

Hard-fought points from the baseline and the 95-degree heat left both players exhausted after the second-set tiebreaker. They agreed to take a ten-minute break before resuming play, and the pair lay in the training room covered in ice packs.

The rest proved more beneficial to Capriati than to Hingis. After the duo traded early service breaks, Capriati won five straight games to take the third set 6–2 and win her second straight Australian championship.

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POINT Weather can be a factor in athletic contests. The winner must successfully overcome both an opponent and nature. Sun, snow, rain, heat, and cold may make an athlete weary and ready to give up.

In the Australian Open, a compassionate official let the women take a break. Rest, shade, and cool water revived and refreshed them—especially Jennifer Capriati.

Jesus knows we get tired. As God living in human form, he felt what it was like to battle the heat as he walked from town to town. And Jesus wants to give us comfort. Just like a cool drink and shade can revive us on a hot day, Jesus can refresh your life by giving you perfect rest.

GOAL! Next time you’re playing, working, or competing in the hot sun, take a break to grab a drink. Pay careful attention to how you feel as you gulp down that reviving beverage. Then praise God for his refreshing love.