Improving Your Match Focus
If you want to play like a champion, you need to think like a champion.
If you can gain insight into the thought process of a champion, you can begin to develop a similar “champion” mindset to optimize your court performance.
What does a champion tennis player focus on during matches?
The common thread that runs through all champion tennis players is their focus on the present moment.
If you focus too much on outcomes, such as the score or losing, you can’t play in the moment…
A champion player may have thoughts about their rank, rivals or winning but he is able to narrow his focus on the court and play in the “now.”
In essence, a champion player believes “this point” is the only thing that matters!
Novak Djokovic is a Serbian professional tennis player, currently ranked No. 2 in the world and is considered to be one of the best tennis players of his era. Djokovic recently won the Sony Open beating rival Nadal 6-3, 6-3.
In his post-match interview, Djokovic provided profound insight into the mindset of a champion and commitment to focus on the present moment:
“I did not want to lose focus for a second… I wanted to play each point 100%, because I knew that, you know, I am in the control of the rallies at the moment and I needed that to stay that way.”
When asked about the potential of winning future tour events, Djokovic reiterated the importance of focusing on the present:
“I can’t predict what the future brings. I can only focus my attention and energy to the present moment and do what I do best, and that is to, you know, try to prepare myself.”
Many novice players view playing high-ranked opponents with trepidation, but Djokovic sees top competition as an opportunity to improve his game:
“I think challenges, big challenges that I had in my career changed me in a positive way as a player. I worked hard, and, you know, it’s paying dividends, I guess, in the last couple of years. You know, obviously it’s not easy when you’re playing a top rival at the finals of any tournament, but if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best, you know. You have to win against the best players in the world. That’s the biggest challenge you can have.”
Djokovic provides great advice for players to improve their focus and develop the mindset of a champion.
Focus on playing each point with 100% effort and focus. You should focus on what you do best and be diligent in your preparation. You cannot control what may happen in the future, only the present moment. He suggests that you view matches against top opponents as opportunities to hone and improve your game. If opponents expose a weakness in your game, it’s a chance to improve that part of your game.
Successful tennis players have learned how to perform with ultimate confidence in tournaments. We’ve developed Tennis Confidence: Mental Toughness For Tournament Players to help you do this.
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If you’re not performing up to your potential in matches, most likely your mental game is holding you back. Are you so frustrated with your performance you feel like giving up? Does your confidence evaporate when you play in tournaments? Are you tired of working hard in practice and not getting any results in matches?
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