When Personal Problems

WHEN PERSONAL PROBLEMS and poor decisions forced Jennifer Capriati off the women’s tennis tour at age 17, many believed she would never return to championship form. But in the 2001 Australian Open, the 24-year-old American proved she could still play at a top level.

Few expected the tournament’s 12th seed to last past the early rounds. But Jennifer showed heart as she played each match. Capriati surprised everyone by eliminating four-time titleholder Monica Seles 5–7, 6–4, 6–3 in the quarterfinals and defeating defending champion Lindsay Davenport 6–3, 6–4 to reach the finals.

Capriati faced three-time champion Martina Hingis in the title match and dominated her opponent from the outset. After only 12 minutes of play, she led the first set 4–0, eventually winning it 6–4.

In the second set, the Florida native played even stronger. Hingis’s double fault in game five put Capriati in front by a service break, 3–2. The American’s serve, a weakness in the past, remained strong, leading to a 6–3 win.

On match point, Capriati closed out the victory by slamming a backhand down the line. The one-time child superstar celebrated her first Grand Slam championship by embracing Stefano, her father and coach.

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POINT In 1990, Jennifer Capriati took the tennis world by storm. That year the 14-year-old became the youngest player ever to win a Wimbledon match, the youngest to reach the semifinals of the French Open, and the youngest ever to be seeded in a Grand Slam tournament. For the next two years, she continued to reach “youngest ever” milestones.

Then problems struck this talented teen. Too much pressure caused her to make bad decisions. But Jennifer eventually overcame her troubles. She began winning at an age when many tennis stars consider retiring. Jennifer turned things around when she stopped worrying about other things and concentrated on tennis.

What bothers you? Do problems or pressures eat away at your insides? Have you ever been so worried you felt sick to your stomach? Trust God with your worries, because he cares for you.

GOAL! Discuss with your parents or a trusted Christian friend the difference between damaging worry and healthy concern. Praise God that we can always give our problems to him.