One way of making it easier to avoid antagonism is to realize that your opponents are imperfect beings, just as you are, and accept their idiosyncrasies as you would expect them to accept yours. Like you, they have their own ways of walking, making calls, and hitting good shots. They have egos and enjoy beating people just as you do. And they have plenty of insecurities that have nothing to do with you.
More: The Golden Rule of Tennis
Keep this in mind lest your own insecurities magnify their actions into personal affronts. That's right, it is your own insecurities that make you overly sensitive to your opponent's mannerisms -- that give you "rabbit ears" (or, as the case may be, "rabbit eyes").
Realize that if you allow your insecurities to run amuck in this way you will not only hurt your own game, but you are also likely to behave in ways that you will later regret. Giving your opponents the benefit of the doubt just makes it easier to keep yourself on track towards your real goals. (None of which are well served by getting into fights with your opponents.)
Finally, whether you are dealing with antagonism or not, it is best to keep your head on your side of the net and ignore your opponent's actions.
More: 3 Ways to Reverse Your Opponent's Momentum
The tennis match can be best looked at as simply a set of physical and mental problems to be overcome. Like the net or the lines, your opponent is just another necessary element of the equation.
As in math class, problem equations are best solved unemotionally and rationally. Turning them into life and death struggles, fueled by insecurities and beset with antagonism, will cloud your thinking, stiffen your muscles, scatter your focus, and make you lose -- both matches and friends!
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