Just about anyone can pick up a racket and, with practice, develop the skills necessary to become a good tennis player. Being a great doubles partner, on the other hand, is something that really can't be taught.
Unlike in singles play, doubles players form close bonds within their partner as they build trusting relationships in which depending on one another becomes second nature. Doubles players have to be unselfish and willing to share the limelight. Playing doubles involves greater communication, patience and, most importantly, cooperation.
Junior doubles player Maggie Yahner understands how important these qualities are for doubles teams. Yahner enjoys playing alongside senior partner Lindsey Pereira, even with the increased demands of doubles.
"I know how important the doubles point is in college," Yahner said. "Many a times it will determine who ultimately wins the match."
Because of the differences between singles and doubles, Yahner said she approaches the two types of matches differently.
"Doubles is ... much shorter, so I always approach doubles with intensity and a have-at-it attitude" Yahner said. "I approach singles much the same way but in the back of my mind I know I can always work my way back in even if my opponent has a great start, whereas this is not always the case in doubles."
Yahner said she finds the most difficult thing about sharing the court is learning to rely on another person for the fate of the game.
"You have to trust your partner with your whole heart that they are going to do their job on the court," Yahner said. "If you don't trust them and try to do it on your own, you will be guaranteed to lose. There must be mutual trust so that you both can play free -- this is sometimes hard to find."
Fortunately for the duo, it seems Yahner and Pereira have found it; the doubles team is currently 9-5.
Becoming a solid doubles player can also benefit an athlete's singles play. In her third season, Yahner's tennis has come a long way.
"I have changed tremendously," Yahner said. "In almost all areas of my game I have had great improvements from [when I played junior-level competition]. Mentally, I am tougher and smarter. I understand strategies better. Physically, I am much stronger and fitter, and technically my game has become more sound."
Yahner is quick to credit her improvements not to her personal efforts but to coaching and training.
"I have been very fortunate to have had great and persistent coaching throughout my time here at Virginia," Yahner said. "My coaches have helped me to better understand the game of tennis and have pushed me to be my best. For me, tennis will always be a battle because you can never stop learning or finding ways to be better."
According to Virginia coach Mark Guilbeau, Yahner's greatest asset is her overall desire to succeed individually as both a player and as a part of the team. Though Virginia has had a disappointing 1-3 start, Yahner remains determined.
"This season my goals are to enjoy the journey that my team and I are on," Yahner said. "It's going to be difficult and very up and down. The winning and losing is important, but for right now, a big goal of mine is to have correct execution on the court. I am always looking to better myself and I hope to improve greatly after this season. A secret goal of mine is to get ranked in doubles and a bonus would be to make the NCAAs as a team."
One of Yahner's teammates, junior Amanda Rales, also enjoys battling opponents with both of her partners, sophomore Jennifer Stevens and junior Lara Alexander.
"I like the team aspect of doubles," Rales said. "It can be really exciting playing out there with your partner and getting fired up together."
The intricacy of tactics needed to produce effective doubles plays also attracts the junior to the game.
"I love the strategy involved in playing doubles," Rales said. "Putting on and executing plays is one of the best parts."
Doubles play also gives Rales a chance to apply her budding leadership skills, something Guilbeau believes she has improved.
"[Amanda] has turned into a remarkable leader both on and off the court," Guilbeau said. "She is a legitimate top player in college tennis."
Like her teammate, Rales is looking toward to the NCAA Tournament with high hopes.
"Individually, I'm aiming to get ranked in singles and hopefully doubles too," Rales said. "If that goes well, then I'd hope its good enough to qualify for NCAA individual tournament. But ultimately, what I try to accomplish this year could really help me achieve these goals for my senior year."
Virginia tennis fans can watch the Cavaliers work toward their personal and team goals Sunday at 2 p.m. as the team opens ACC play with rival Virginia Tech at the Boyd Tinsley Courts at the Boar's Head Sports Club.
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