Final answer:
Melinda's tennis performance is a metaphor for her internal growth, showcasing her increasing confidence and resilience as she overcomes personal challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Melinda's performance on the tennis court is a narrative device used to signify her character development throughout the story. Typically, the gradual improvement or change in a character's skill level in a certain activity, like tennis, reflects their internal growth and ability to overcome personal challenges. As Melinda engages with the sport, it may show how she gains confidence, becomes more assertive, or starts to heal from past traumas. Specifically, her determination on the court could mirror her determination to face her problems in life. Thus, through her athletic expression, we gain insight into her resilience and evolving identity.