Why I Love the Clay Season

Slower bounces, longer rallies, and a game that rewards patience over power. Notes from a few weeks on the dirt.

The rhythm is different

On hard courts the point is often over in three or four shots. On clay you have to construct it — move your opponent, open the court, and only then go for the winner.

What it taught my own game

I stopped trying to end points early and started building them. My win rate went up, and oddly, so did the fun.