Cindysphinx
G.O.A.T.
I have an awkward situation on my hands, and I'm not sure what to do with it.
It's pretty simple, really. Someone wants to be my doubles partner, and I am looking for a way out. This person works hard on her game. The trouble is she just isn't a very good doubles player. We are not a well-balanced doubles team because she struggles with the strokes that are most important in doubles: returning, approach shots, volleys, groundstroke placement, lobs, overheads.
The problem is how to say no. I could say, "We're not a well-balanced doubles team." Or "I just don't think we would do well together." Or something vague like that. The problem is that she will undoubtedly ask for an explanation because she does think we would be a good team.
I'm really feeling backed into a corner at this point. I don't think would go over well for me to imply I am Oh So Much Stronger than she is because we are both 3.5s. I just don't think I would enjoy playing matches with her because . . . . well, I know for a fact I can play with people who are better players, I do well with those people, and those matches are fast-paced and fun. If I did play some matches with her, they would have to be court three against weak opponents. And if we won, then this would support her view that we make a good pair when in fact we would be eaten alive by stronger opponents -- the sorts of opponents I enjoy playing.
Now what?
It's pretty simple, really. Someone wants to be my doubles partner, and I am looking for a way out. This person works hard on her game. The trouble is she just isn't a very good doubles player. We are not a well-balanced doubles team because she struggles with the strokes that are most important in doubles: returning, approach shots, volleys, groundstroke placement, lobs, overheads.
The problem is how to say no. I could say, "We're not a well-balanced doubles team." Or "I just don't think we would do well together." Or something vague like that. The problem is that she will undoubtedly ask for an explanation because she does think we would be a good team.
I'm really feeling backed into a corner at this point. I don't think would go over well for me to imply I am Oh So Much Stronger than she is because we are both 3.5s. I just don't think I would enjoy playing matches with her because . . . . well, I know for a fact I can play with people who are better players, I do well with those people, and those matches are fast-paced and fun. If I did play some matches with her, they would have to be court three against weak opponents. And if we won, then this would support her view that we make a good pair when in fact we would be eaten alive by stronger opponents -- the sorts of opponents I enjoy playing.
Now what?