Maintaining Concentration in Matches After a tremendous run, Roger Federer finished second in this year’s US Open. Dominating in his first three matches, Federer approached the Men’s Final with high energy and a clear focus on his game. Despite his loss in the final round, Federer was not defeated…. This is because Federer possesses a strong … [Read more...] about Roger Federer’s Mental Focus at the US Open
Pro Tennis Mindset
Djokovic: Lose Focus And You Lose the Set
Staying Focusing in Each Set Has a coach ever implored you to concentrate? Have you ever been told that you would be a better player if only you learned to improve your concentration? Have you ever been told exactly what concentration is or how to improve it? Most tennis players think concentration is some innate ability that we possess. … [Read more...] about Djokovic: Lose Focus And You Lose the Set
Is Serena Williams a Perfectionist?
“Practice makes perfect” is a common axiom in tennis and sports. We are bombarded by commentary on perfect games, perfect hits, and perfect serves yet simultaneously know that perfection is an unattainable ideal. Tennis coaches tell you to “strive for perfection” even though the consensus is this often leads to feelings of inadequacy and … [Read more...] about Is Serena Williams a Perfectionist?
Did Andy Murray Beats Himself at US Open?
The ATP ranks tennis players on a merit-based method used for determining qualification for entry and seeding in all tournaments. If you play enough tennis matches, you will eventually lose to a lower-ranked opponent. It happens to everyone, even the best players in the world, such as Murray and Federer at the US Open. Why? There are many … [Read more...] about Did Andy Murray Beats Himself at US Open?
Roger Federer Self-Destructs at US Open
After Roger Federer self-destructed and lost to Tommy Robredo at the 2013 US Open, he did not make any excuses for his lose. He answered all the questions from the media. According to Federer, the loss was not due to the court change, preparation, humidity, or prematch emotions. He was actually looking forward to the match. He got off to a slow … [Read more...] about Roger Federer Self-Destructs at US Open
Does Serena Williams Get Nervous Before Matches?
Do Professional Tennis Players Get Nervous? Do you think Serena Williams gets nervous and has some performance anxiety before matches? If you said no, you'd be wrong. Even the number one tennis player in the world is human and can get nervous before and during big matches. After watching the Women’s final at the 2013 French Open, you would … [Read more...] about Does Serena Williams Get Nervous Before Matches?
Andy Murray Uses Sports Psychologist
The Benefits of Working With a Sports Psychologist Some tennis players, even top pros, maintain the false belief that they are weak mentally if they have to use a sports psychologist or mental coach for tennis performance. Even Andy Murray believed this idea earlier in his career, but not today after winning the 2012 US Open! Murray has … [Read more...] about Andy Murray Uses Sports Psychologist
Novak Djokovic Overcomes Tension and Doubt to Win
How do athletes deal with negative thoughts, doubts, and high expectations? With the pressure of being No 1 in the world, Novak Djokovic overcomes his mental gremlins to win the finals of the 2011 Rogers Cup. He felt as if a target was on his back. “Well, it is probably a little mental advantage when you get on the court knowing that you're the … [Read more...] about Novak Djokovic Overcomes Tension and Doubt to Win
Did Nadal Really Choke at Wimbledon?
Rafael Nadal, the number two-ranked player in the world, is known for his mental toughness on the men’s tennis circuit. He’s won countless tournaments on his aggressive style of play and mental toughness including the 2011 French Open. But last week, Djokovic defeated Nadal 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 in the 2011 Wimbledon final. Did Nadal choke in the … [Read more...] about Did Nadal Really Choke at Wimbledon?
Djokovic Overcomes Mental Battle to Win
Overcoming Mental Game Challenges A hallmark of championship athletes is their ability to recognize the mental barriers that limit their performance. Three years after winning his first grand slam title at the Australian Open in 2008, Novak Djokovic’s hoisted the Norman Brooks Challenge Cup for the second time, defeating Andy Murray 6-4 6-3 6-2 in … [Read more...] about Djokovic Overcomes Mental Battle to Win