Amy Serves Up a Surprise
Amy is playing in her first tennis tournament against a much better opponent.
Amy had practised for months. Today was her first tennis tournament. As she stepped onto the court, her hands were sweaty and her heart was thumping. Across the net stood Eli, the club champion.
‘Just play your game,’ said her coach, Opal the owl. ‘Enjoy it.’ Amy nodded. She bounced the ball three times, tossed it high, and served. THWACK! It flew over the net.
Eli was fast and strong. Point after point went to Eli. Amy lost the first set, 6-4. She wanted to cry. But in the second set, she took a deep breath and tried a new plan.
She ran for every ball. She won three points in a row! The crowd cheered. Though Eli won the match in the end, Amy had played her best tennis ever.
At the net, Eli shook her hand. ‘That was a great match,’ said Eli. ‘You’ll be champion one day.’ Amy grinned. ‘I’ll see you next year!’
The little lesson
Courage and effort matter more than the score.
Let’s talk about it
- How did Amy feel before the match?
- What did Eli do at the end?
Finish stories to collect Amy as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
More Sports & Games stories
Match Point for Holly
Holly is playing in her first tennis tournament against a much better opponent.
Splash! Kit Takes the Plunge
Kit is afraid of the deep water, but a patient friend helps him take one little step at a time.
Mia Learns to Swim
Mia is afraid of the deep water, but a patient friend helps her take one little step at a time.
You might also like
Kofi’s Magic Ball of Marigold Field
Kofi finds a football that glows, and every pass builds a bridge of rainbow light.
The Hardest Word for Cara
Cara accidentally breaks Sia’s favourite kite and is too scared to say sorry.
Be Careful What You Wish For, Ruby
Ruby finds a well that grants wishes, but every wish has a surprise.