This is probably an important point. If competitive tennis is about imposing your will physically, psychologically, and strategically on the opponent, the first point makes for a lasting impression.
How many times did we see Sampras start with an ace, McEnroe with a winning volley, Davenport with a hard deep groundie?
Of course, you can still win a game, set or match after losing the very first point.
But the first point effort and result certainly sends a message to the opponent about your game.
This point was made in the book, Education of a Tennis Player, by Rod Laver with Bud Collins.
It also came up again in an another informative book, Maximum Tennis, by Nick Saviano.
Best,
Gary
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