Are you passonate or not?
That is the question. If you are passonate then you most likely find it quite difficult to lose without being hard on yourself or express it throughout the match. Now, I am not speaking of racquet destroying fury (which I highly advise against unless you are made of money). Just an occasional growl or a shout when you realize that topspin forehand went out when it should have hit the line. Man, that stinks doesn't it.
I just finished playing an opponent who I have never beaten in a match, just games here and there. I like playing him because I am continually pushing myself to go further and hit harder with more accuracy. However, when I lose I still beat myself down. The point of this thread is for those who do the same.....it does not mean you should not play tennis.
I know quite a few people who hold to the opinion that if you can't play the game without letting it affect you so much, then perhaps you should not play that sport. Now where would all the pros be if that advice were sound? Look at Roddick, he has overcome alot of his on-court frustrations to the point that it does not affect his overall performance in a match like it used to. Remember Roland Garros 2003? Brad Gilbert has probably given many a lecture in that department and it shows on court now.
But, you too can experience that frustration and use it as fuel for success, not a recipe for failure. Just remember that if you are that passonate about winning you can use it to your advantage while maintaining a realistic expectation of results for yourself. Just b/c you don't hit like Moya doesn't mean you are bad at tennis. Look at the overall improvements in your matches. Mark them down on a progress chart if you are the detailed type. Keep playing those people you can't seem to beat in a match. They will improve your game if you keep on trying. Mix things up and get a strategy for yourself. It is always good for the ego to play someone and beat them too, but don't fixate yourself towards those types of matches unless your weaker opponent is dead-set on improving his/herself. If that is the case then challenge him/her to beat you and you will have a great time of it.
Again, this thread is more of an encouragement to those who yearn for success, but still experience those days of frustration. Now go get 'em tiger!