Here we go again.
2026 has just begun, and I find myself once more at the starting line after a big, necessary pause.
Funny how finishing the 2025 season didn’t feel like a wrap, but more like a reset button pressed with both hands.
And oh man, did it work.
I started training again at New Lario Park, and honestly, it felt like coming home after a long trip.
Daniel and the crew (the kind of tennis friends that don’t just rally with you, they lift you up), playing weekly (sometimes twice a week when the stars align) with them brought a surprising shift:
I’m in growth mode again. Not just chasing rankings.
Every session feels like a little holiday, and I can’t ask for more than that.
Actually, I can. And I did.
So inspired by this mini tennis revival, I decided to close the year with one last tournament.
Yes… at Tavernola. (Cue dramatic music.)
The cursed venue. The place where rackets go to die.
But guess what? I played beautifully.
Faced a peer senior playing great (6-1 6-0) and I walked away with 30 points (first of the season!) and a heart full of joy.
I gave a walkover for the next round because I wanted to focus on family, Christmas, and rest but I had something I needed: I had found the vibe again.
What happened in the middle till now? Life.
Holidays came. I went skiing (yes, legs are still intact, thank you for asking).
Then it was back to work: headfirst into Odoo, and building up my new company.
And since December 23rd, no tennis.
Zero. Nada.
So yeah, it’s time.
Time to start over—again.
This post is my line in the sand.
My way of saying: let’s get back on court. Let’s build again, with temperance and joy.
That’s all I ask from myself now. Just presence, patience, and a whole lot of sweat.
And hey, between you and me… I’ve quietly lifted the bar.
2.8 was the dream, but lately I’ve been wondering: should I aim a little higher?
2.7?
Too soon? Too ambitious? Maybe.
Maybe not.
Should I rename this blog The Winding Road to 2.7?
Let’s not rush. Let’s hit the courts first. Let the racket do the talking.
For now, I’m just grateful to be back.
The road continues.
See you out there,
Il Tennista
