It is very encouraging to me to see a top world ranked player tell others how important his or her faith is to their life and tennis game. They have many reasons as to why their Christian faith is important to them, and I hope that in the future we can ask them directly. I have followed articles on the former players and have seen many of them make statements as to this very issue. You may be surprised to learn how many there have been. Several years ago I thanked Michael Chang for his bold stand on his acknowledgment of the role that Jesus Christ takes in his life. I also mentioned the history of former world class players who have made a stand for their Christian faith. I do hope that if you are a believer, you will be encouraged that throughout history others in tennis have made a stand for their faith and that it has played an important role in their life. If you are not a believer, then a good question would be, "Exactly what is a Christian and what does it have to do with tennis?"
I have always read with interest Tennis articles that have a spiritual element to them. Two recent stories in Tennis Magazine caught my attention, an article in March, 1998 on Tim Mayotte (world #7), and Michael Chang’s Unfinished Journey article (May 1998) continues to encourage me. Tim is currently attending seminary in the US. It is great to see that a spiritual life is an area of interest to many who read this magazine.
Many tennis professionals, coaches, and fans worldwide have a religious foundation of some kind. People are looking for answers to some of life’s basic questions, looking for happiness beyond what they have, and something that is practical for them. This is not a new idea for tennis. I am certain that this is just scratching the surface, however many top ranked players have had a committed Christian lifestyle or background. While I can not say exactly what a players current or former relationship is with Christ, I can say the following have publicly acknowledged a relationship with Christ.
I have worked with several of the touring professional players and Legend’s (senior) players on a spiritual basis. I have heard it mentioned that it is difficult to reach out to the players and their families on the tour. I found it just the opposite. Both Christians and non-Christians are interested in answering life’s questions, looking for loyal friends and, having traveled extensively, question the meaning of life and their role in it. In the 1980’s a Pastor traveled with the touring pro’s. Unfortunately, this was not continued when he left. At the moment no one has taken up the mantel to strengthen the commitment of today’s players. I have heard that it needs to be someone such as a former great player. This would be great. However, more importantly is that they are spiritually mature, financially supported, love tennis and have a great desire to teach and lead others to Christ. This takes long-term spiritual training.
Many well known coaches are also committed Christians. USA college coach, Tut Bartzen (world #8) and Tennis Magazine's coach of the year, Carl Chang (Michael’s brother), are two examples. I receive letters from around the world from coaches explaining how they are using their faith in their workplace. Camps and Racquet Clubs are operated throughout the world by Christians. The Christian message has been brought to many children in China, through a school’s program.
At the moment Michael Chang holds a bright light for Christian tennis players. In the future I am quite confident that others will follow in Michael’s footsteps on the pro tour. Let us not forget that history has shown there are thousands of tennis players worldwide who, by practicing their faith, are encouraged to make the world a better place, both on and off the court.
In the next newsletter, I will be sharing letters with you that I have received in the last month from coaches around the world. They are excited about their faith and have shared with me what it means to them and the programs they conduct. We look forward to having like-minded tennis players network together.
Blessings,
Rev. Bob Kraft