Handling jealousy, competition, and pettiness is a challenge that faces all players. I’ve stated this many times but getting better at your craft means you have to play and practice with players who will help you improve. Often, those players are rivals who do not like you! How do you handle this? I have fielded this one many times with my athletes.
What sometimes happens is rivals will not play each other in practice. The theory is their opponent will get used to “their game”. I never understood this and once I tried to work out with a rival only to have him “tank” and study my game in an annoying passive-aggressive manner. So, I have to admit working out with an opponent does not always work. That said however……..
In the 70s in Rochester, NY there lived a guy who was one of the best singles players in the North East USA. He and I had a fierce rivalry but we played at least twice per week and sometimes as many as five times per week. When we met each other in a tournament, it was not fun because we knew each other’s game so well. There were a couple of serves I never saw in practice but knew I would in a match. So I kept a couple of my own to myself. Point is we both became better players by playing each other.
I do not understand why those of you out there with a local antagonist, do not call that player up and start playing them. It does not matter what happens in practice and it does not even matter if one of you beats the other in a local tournament. What matters is both of you becoming better players. Someone who pushes you in practice will help you become better. Bottom line. Think about, and pick up the phone and call your nemesis to schedule a time to play. You do not have to even like your opponent (to be clear in this case I did like my opponent (off the court) and we are still good friends) but you can train with them!
Oh and if you are junior players, parents-let them play! Let the sparks fly! Both will become better!