Unlocking the Potential Within: A Racquet Correspondent's Odyssey

Reconnecting with the Racquet

After a long hiatus, our racquet correspondent finds himself back on the court, eager to rekindle his passion for tennis. With a mix of trepidation and excitement, he meets Julien, a seasoned instructor at the Bürgenstock Resort, who guides him through a transformative journey of technical refinement and self-discovery.

As they warm up on the resort's indoor, rust-colored, carpeted courts, known as the Diamond Domes, Julien shares his own remarkable story. From a prodigious start at the age of four or five, to a successful college tennis career and a brief stint on the ITF Futures circuit, Julien's path has been marked by both triumph and the realization of the untenability of a professional tennis career. This backdrop sets the stage for a captivating exchange, where the correspondent's own tennis journey intersects with Julien's wealth of experience.

Determined to make the most of this opportunity, the correspondent immerses himself in the lesson, eager to learn and improve. However, as he battles through the fundamentals, he finds himself grappling with a mix of self-doubt and a desire to impress, fueled by the knowledge of Julien's impressive résumé, including the fact that he had taken a service game off Jannik Sinner in a practice set at the 2023 French Open.

Embracing the Bürgenstock's Architectural Tapestry

As the lesson progresses, the correspondent takes a moment to appreciate the stunning surroundings of the Bürgenstock Resort. Perched atop a limestone mountain ridge, the resort boasts a rich history dating back to the 1870s, with a diverse architectural tapestry that seamlessly blends the old and the new.

From the sturdy, glassy rectangle of the Contemporary hotel, which prioritizes wide vistas over the lake and mountains, to the Belle Époque elegance of the Heritage palace, the Bürgenstock's eclectic design choices create a sense of idiosyncrasy that unifies the entire resort. The correspondent is particularly struck by the unpretentious charm of the 12-room chalet, Taverne 1879, which stands in contrast to the greater luxe environment, and the Waldhotel's innovative use of rocks salvaged from its construction, displayed in wired bundles along its side wall.

As he takes in the breathtaking panorama of Lake Lucerne, framed by the majestic peaks of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, the correspondent is struck by the resort's ability to seamlessly blend grand pastoral beauty with architectural diversity, creating a truly unique and captivating experience.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Transformation

Despite the stunning surroundings, the correspondent's focus remains firmly on the court, where he battles to overcome the technical challenges presented by Julien. From adjusting his footwork and positioning to refining his forehand and backhand strokes, the correspondent is determined to make the most of this opportunity to improve his game.

As Julien provides gentle guidance and encouragement, the correspondent experiences a transformative moment when he is able to effortlessly integrate the instructor's feedback into his play. The once-daunting adjustments to his serve and net play become second nature, and the correspondent finds himself hitting with a newfound confidence and precision.

This pliability, however, is a stark contrast to the struggles he faced earlier in the lesson, leaving the correspondent to ponder the reasons behind this sudden improvement. Julien's unwavering belief in his student's potential, coupled with the correspondent's own willingness to embrace change, has unlocked a level of performance that surprises even the correspondent himself.

Embracing the Lessons of the Bürgenstock

As the lesson comes to a close, the correspondent is left with a renewed sense of gratitude and self-awareness. Julien's words about there being "levels of good" in tennis resonate deeply, prompting the correspondent to reflect on his own journey and the realization that he need not strive for perfection, but rather embrace his place on the spectrum of skill and experience.

With a newfound appreciation for the sport and his own capabilities, the correspondent ventures out to explore the Bürgenstock's other offerings, including the awe-inspiring Hammetschwand Lift, the highest exterior elevator in Europe. As he ascends to the crest of the Bürgenstock ridge, the correspondent is treated to a panoramic view that reinforces Julien's lesson – there are indeed "levels of good," and the correspondent is content to be somewhere in the middle, savoring the beauty and challenges that the sport and the resort have to offer.

The correspondent's journey at the Bürgenstock Resort has been a transformative one, marked by technical refinement, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of the nuances of the game he once loved. As he departs, he carries with him the wisdom imparted by Julien, a renewed passion for tennis, and a profound appreciation for the unique and captivating experience that the Bürgenstock Resort has provided.