Back then, I at least had my sister by my side.

When I stepped into my ocean-view room on the seventh floor, any residual unease melted into giddy joy.

The decor was an ode to the island, from the cane-and-hemp chairs to the cloudlike bedding.

Tracee Ellis Ross at Sensei Porcupine Creek Resort & Spa

I wasnt just on a tennis trip, I realized.

I was on ahoneymoonwith myself.

I also met Victoria, Jessica, and Andy a group of slightly more advanced players.

Pair of photos from Montolieu, one showing a street with bookshops, and one showing a detail of shutters painted to look like bookshelves

How was I supposed to enjoy future dishes after sampling something so perfect?

Pro-am tournaments pair professionals with amateurs for a series of short doubles games.

He offered a genius tip for my backhand, delivered with all the kindness of a svelte Santa Claus.

A sunlit pathway through trees covered with Spanish moss

I first picked up a tennis racket four years ago, and became fully addicted during the pandemic.

At the Baha Mar tournament, I decided I would try and mask my terror with bluster.

She generously smiled instead of rolling her eyes.

Aerial view of an irregularly shaped swimming pool at a hotel resort

Afterward, at the exhibition match, the pros played and taunted one another, to the crowds delight.

Theres no way you could see if that ball was in.

And when Pegula and Blake faced a young Bahamian team, the crowd cheered loudly for the next generation.

Quasar Expeditions Grace yacht, in the Galapagos

(The latter gave new meaning to Billie Jean Kings famous adage, Pressure is a privilege.)

Ah, well: theres always next year.

Ive missed you, Alejandro said when I called him in Miami.

A view of the beach on Bonaire island in the Caribbean sea

I cant wait to have you home.

I missed you, too, I said.

But as we hung up, I sensed that something had shifted.

Sound bath song bowls at Riverbank Los Angeles

You know, player to player.

Held each December, the Baha Mar Cup raises funds for a local childrens tennis charity.

Aerial view of an irregularly shaped swimming pool at a hotel resort

The Rosewood Baha Mar Lagoon pool—perfect for cooling off after a match.Credit:Courtesy of Rosewood Baha Mar

Pair of photos from the Baha Mar cup, one showing James Blake mid-serve, and one showing Brittani Sonnenerg with Jessica Pegula

From left: James Blake serving at the Baha Mar Cup; the author (left) with top-ranked U.S. player Jessica Pegula.Courtesy of Brittani Sonnenberg

Two people sitting in chairs beside a tennis court

Guests can book clinics and lessons at Baha Mar’s racquet club.Courtesy of Baha Mar