Topspin Soldier

Here’s a refreshing respite from the recent glut of articles about self-absorbed, self-promoting, plea-copping, “As a matter of fact, it is my planet" tennis stars.

Shahar Peer is ranked in the Top 50, and she probably had untold opportunities to duck her service. It’s really worth reading her story, and if it strikes your fancy you can find more of it here.

We can leave the issue of Guns vs. Butter or Israeli vs. Arab out of this and still recognize that national service—whether it’s in the Armed Forces or an entity like the Peace Corps—can be a noble, socially unifying cause that also makes those who take part it in it richer and more interesting and admirable people.

It sometimes bothers me that in the eyes of even the most ardent tennis fans, the players often are seen as Sportsworld's equivalent of milk-fed veal: They’re blemish free, raised in the dark, impeccably groomed and given what they most crave and none of what they really need—which includes a solid appreciation for the realities with which people grapple daily.

Here’s the money quote from the piece, and I admit that I’m moved by it:

May the road rise with you, Shahar . . .