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From an early age my disruptive style was never appreciated.
The concept of disruption is enjoying a new cultural appreciation. Once upon a time disruption was viewed negatively: “World War I disrupted a long peace.” Now it has become an object of praise. Uber disrupts Yellow Cab. Netflix disrupts NBC. Salted caramel disrupts butterscotch.
I have been a master of disruption in tennis since I was 12 years old. Alas, I have not received the same type of public praise — nor does it seem likely that I will in my lifetime.
My talent was first acknowledged by an opponent in the summer of 1972., when I was a camper at Tony Trabert Tennis Camp, competing in my first tournament.
After finishing the match and shaking hands, my opponent said, “You are a (adjective deleted) dinker.” “I can’t believe you hit shots like that. Can’t you even hit the ball?” Never mind that he had actually won.
Here are a few of the post-match comments (profanity-free versions) that I’ve heard over the years – and my desired but unstated responses:
A core strategy: constantly take off pace.
“You didn’t give me anything to hit.”
“Was I supposed to?”
“Sorry I…