Tennis is more than just a sport. It's an art, like the ballet. Or like a performance in the theater. When I step on the court I feel like Anna Pavlova. Or like Adelina Patti. Or even like Sarah Bernhardt. I see the footlights in front of me. I hear the whisperings of the audience. I feel an icy shudder. Win or die! Now or never! It's the crisis of my life.

Summary

This quote portrays the deep emotional and artistic connection that the speaker feels towards tennis. They compare the sport to ballet and theater, suggesting that it is not simply a physical activity, but a form of self-expression and performance. The mention of renowned artists such as Anna Pavlova, Adelina Patti, and Sarah Bernhardt emphasizes the intensity of the speaker's passion for the game. They describe the anxiety and exhilaration that comes with being on the court, encapsulating the immense significance they attach to each match as a defining moment in their life.

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