Playing Top Opponents

What is your mindset when playing a dominant tennis player?

Do you have a negative or fearful mindset and believe you will lose in straight sets and be embarrassed during the match?

Or do you have a positive mindset and look forward to the challenge and possible upset?

Your mindset heading into a match or tournament shapes your thoughts and emotions, influencing your level of play.

In our Mental Game of Tennis Survey, a D-III collegiate tennis player sent us the following question?

“How can I stay mentally tough against higher-ranked opponents?”

Engaging in a “I-can’t-win” mindset impedes performance dramatically. Taking the court, you are already intimidated by “who” you are playing. You are focused on their power, the speed of their serve, their accuracy, the ground they cover.

In your mind, you see your opponent serving aces and returning your serves for winners. You think of only bad outcomes. Your heart pounds, your palms are sweaty. You find it difficult to focus, see the ball clearly, and react quickly.

Your game is off due to a mere prediction of what might happen. With a negative mindset, your fears become your reality.

The Upset Mindset

An “upset-time” mindset is when you approach a match with a “go for it and let’s see what happens” mentality. You will still be slightly nervous, but that should be interpreted as positive and not a sign that you will get crushed.

A little nervousness heading into a match is helpful. A slight amount of nervous energy can help you focus more intently and energize your play. You will play on the balls of your feet, react quicker, and more easily chase down balls to return.

Playing against tough competition makes you a stronger player if you can grind it out and not give in. Playing against stronger players can help you raise your game and become more confident when you hang tough in a match.

Playing against highly ranked opponents can motivate you to keep pushing to beat future opponents and climb the rankings.

Novak Djokovic Playing Against Legends

Djokovic tied Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal after winning the 2021 Wimbledon and claiming his 20th Grand Slam.

In his post-match interview, Djokovic explained that competing against stronger players pushed him mentally and physically and motivated him to pursue success.

DJOKOVIC: “I have to pay a great tribute to Rafa [Nadal] and Roger [Federer]. They are legends of our sport, and they are the two most important players that I’ve ever faced in my career. They are, I think, the reason that I am where I am today. They have helped me realize what I need to do in order to improve, get stronger mentally, physically, tactically.”

Playing against tough competition can push you to greater heights and increase your mental toughness.

Each match you play should be viewed through as an opportunity to test your skills and play at a higher level.

Mindset for Playing Better Tennis Players:

The following two questions can help you set your mindset for the match and direct your focus during the challenging moments.

What mental approach will benefit me the most during this match?
How do I want to respond during tough moments in this match?
How will I grind it out and keep battling?

You never know what can happen to the player across the net. Can you tire out or frustrate your opponent by being a backboard? You can’t beat better players until you think you have a chance to beat them.

Our Tennis Psychology Programs Include:

1. Athlete’s Mental Aptitude Assessment (AMAP)
Our assessment will help you identify what mental game barriers are hurting your performance in tennis.

2. Personalized Mental Game Plan
You will be given a custom game plan based on your specific challenges. The mental game plan will act as a road-map for your mental training sessions. The mental game plan will outline exactly what mental strategies will help your performance.

3. Weekly Coaching Sessions
In-person, or by Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, or phone call (Four, 45-minute coaching sessions). Each session is designed to teach you how to apply mental strategies for practice and games. You will work directly with one of our coaches and learn how to improve your mindset and performance in tennis.

4. Unlimited email correspondence with our staff
You are welcome to email our staff with any and all questions you have during the course of your mental training program.

5. Tennis Confidence 2.0 audio and workbook program
After each session, you will receive a workbook specific to the topic discussed that day. You will be able to practice and apply the strategies between sessions.

Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World

You can get expert mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or phone call. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe.

Complimentary 15-Minute Coaching Session

Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.
Find Out How You Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!

888-742-7225 | 407-909-1700

Please contact us today to learn how mental coaching works and to request pricing on all mental training programs for tennis players. Complete the form below to contact us via email or call us toll-free at 888-742-7225.

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