Game, Set, Stalemate

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Game, Set, Stalemate

Pro Tennis is at a standstill after a major disagreement between the sport’s biggest organizations.
On one side are the leaders of the ATP and WTA tours, Andrea Gaudenzi and Steve Simon. On the other are the four Grand Slam tournaments—Wimbledon, the Australian Open, the French Open, and the U.S. Open. The tours recently proposed a bold new plan to reshape professional tennis: fewer tournaments, better pay for players, and a more unified way to govern the sport.
But the Grand Slams aren’t on board.
The proposal, sent on March 16, suggested cutting the number of top-level events from 118 to around 75. It maintained the four Grand Slam tournaments and ten elite ATP/WTA 1000 events, while also keeping a larger slate of 500 and 250-level competitions. The Slams responded with a short, pointed letter rejecting the idea. Their main criticism? The plan didn’t solve the long-standing leadership and governance issues that continue to stall progress.
Instead, the Grand Slams want something more radical: a streamlined calendar featuring just 30 top-tier events and an extended offseason to give players more recovery time.
This back-and-forth isn’t new. The two sides have spent the past year in regular talks, but the divide remains deep. While the tours believe their unified board structure would make decision-making faster and more efficient, the Slams argue it only adds to the confusion and continues to overload players and fans with too many events.
Fueling the tension is a new legal battle. The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), co-founded by Novak Djokovic, has filed a lawsuit accusing the sport’s main governing bodies of operating like a cartel—limiting opportunities, stifling competition, and hurting both players and fans.
For now, the talks are at a standstill. The Grand Slams have made it clear: unless there’s serious commitment to structural reform, they’re not moving forward.

Tennis and Investing: Why Avoiding Errors Matters More Than Big Wins

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Avoiding Unforced Errors: The Key to Success in Tennis and Investing

 

Barry Ritholtz’s new book How Not to Invest delivers a message that resonates deeply with competitive tennis players: success isn’t about hitting the most winners, but about avoiding costly mistakes. In both investing and tennis, minimizing errors is the true key to long-term success.

The Forecasting Trap vs. Over-Hitting

Investment Mistake

Investors fall into the trap of trying to predict market movements—an impossible task that leads to poor decision-making.

Tennis Equivalent

Players often go for the spectacular shot instead of playing high-percentage tennis. Trying to paint the lines or go for a winner too early leads to unforced errors, just like betting on a “sure thing” in the stock market.

Solution

Just as smart investors focus on long-term strategy and ignore short-term noise, great tennis players focus on consistent shot placement and smart shot selection, resisting the temptation to pull the trigger too soon.


Emotional Investing vs. Mental Weakness on the Court

Investment Mistake

Fear and greed drive investors to buy at market highs and sell in panic at market lows.

Tennis Equivalent

Players let frustration dictate their game—rushing shots, smashing rackets, or losing focus after a bad call.

Solution

Just as successful investors automate decisions and stick to a plan, elite tennis players develop pre-match routines, deep breathing techniques, and positive self-talk to stay composed under pressure.


Being Too Risk-Averse vs. Playing Too Safe

Investment Mistake

Holding too much cash means missing out on potential growth.

Tennis Equivalent

A player who never takes risks (always pushing the ball back) will get overpowered by more aggressive opponents.

Solution

Smart investors balance risk by diversifying. Similarly, competitive players must mix offense with defense, knowing when to play safe and when to attack.

Wrap

Whether managing wealth or managing a tennis match, success is about playing the percentages, controlling emotions, and making smart, strategic decisions. Avoiding unnecessary risks, staying disciplined, and focusing on long-term success—not short-term excitement—leads to the best results.

The Psychology Behind Draper’s Visual Focus at Indian Wells

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Draper’s Mind Game: The Science Behind His Visual Focus Technique

Why Did Jack Draper Focus on His Thumb?

During the Indian Wells final against Holger Rune, Jack Draper was seen focusing on his thumb during changeovers. This was not a random action but a deliberate mental strategy designed to enhance focus, regulate emotions, and maintain composure under pressure.

This technique aligns with sports psychology principles, which emphasize the importance of fixed visual focal points as tools for:

  • Mental reset

  • Emotional stability

  • Sustained concentration

Athletes across various sports use visual fixation techniques to regain control of their mental state, particularly in high-pressure situations where cognitive overload, anxiety, and external distractions can negatively impact performance.

How Fixed Visual Focal Points Aid Mental Clarity

Focusing on a specific visual anchor, such as Draper’s thumb, acts as a cognitive reset button. This allows players to momentarily disengage from external distractions—crowd noise, opponent presence, scoreboard pressure—and recenter their attention on the task at hand.

This method is rooted in mindfulness techniques, where concentrating on a single object or a controlled stimulus enhances present-moment awareness and prevents the mind from spiraling into negative thoughts or over analysis.

Reducing Distractions and Enhancing Focus

High-level tennis matches—especially finals at tournaments like Indian Wells—come with immense external pressures. Using a small, controlled focal point, whether it’s the thumb, racket strings, or a spot on the court, helps the brain block out distractions.

Benefits of Using a Visual Focus Technique

This technique benefits players in several ways:

1. Avoid Overthinking

Tennis requires quick decision-making. Excessive mental processing can disrupt instinctive play and slow reaction times.

2. Minimize Emotional Turbulence

Players often experience adrenaline spikes or self-doubt during crucial points. A fixed focal point can slow down racing thoughts and help reestablish emotional balance.

3. Reaffirm Match Routines

Incorporating visual focus into a changeover ritual reinforces mental discipline and helps maintain a consistent mindset throughout the match.

Maintaining Composure Under Pressure

One of the biggest challenges in competitive tennis is sustaining composure, particularly during high-stakes moments.

Performance anxiety can lead to:

  • Tension

  • Rushed decisions

  • Choking under pressure (where a player’s usual skill level deteriorates due to mental stress)

Studies in sports psychology suggest that maintaining a structured pre-point or changeover routine, including visual focal points, can:

  • Slow down breathing and heart rate, promoting a relaxed but alert state

  • Shift focus away from previous points (whether won or lost) and toward the present moment

  • Reinforce self-confidence, preventing a downward mental spiral

Parallels in Tennis Psychology

Draper’s technique mirrors proven psychological strategies used by top athletes, including:

1. The Tennis Ball Squeeze Technique

Research by Prof. Jürgen Beckmann demonstrated that squeezing a ball with the non-dominant hand before serving activates brain regions that prevent choking under pressure.

2. Visualization and Pre-Serve Routines

Players like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal use repeated ball bounces or deep breaths before serving to create a controlled, ritualized focal point.

3. Gaze Control Studies in Elite Athletes

Research shows that intentionally fixating on a single object improves performance consistency and reduces stress-induced errors.

Wrap

Draper’s habit of centering his vision on his thumb at changeovers is a simple yet highly effective psychological tool. It helps players reset focus, neutralize stress, and optimize performance under pressure.

This technique is a key component of mental resilience training and serves as a grounding mechanism, allowing players to sustain their mental edge in long, grueling matches.

New Senior Pro Tennis Tours

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Retirement from professional tennis no longer means stepping away from competition. Two new senior tennis tours are changing the game, giving recently retired pros a chance to compete instead of just playing exhibition matches.
The Luxembourg Ladies Tennis Masters, returning this October, offers former WTA stars a serious singles format. Last year, Martina Hingis and Ana Ivanovic praised the event for allowing them to play real matches instead of just entertaining crowds with exhibition doubles.
On the men’s side, the Legends Team Cup, created by Swedish entrepreneur Marten Hedlund, is bringing elite-level tennis back to retired pros. Unlike traditional exhibitions, this event features an $12 million prize pool and a player draft, including stars like Dominic Thiem, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
The tour will take place in eight locations worldwide, starting in Saint Barths in June and stopping at New York’s UBS Arena from July 16-18. Adding to the excitement, Bjorn Borg has been named the event’s “Grand Master of Tennis.”
With 45-minute timed matches, the Legends Team Cup introduces a fresh and dynamic format designed to maximize intensity and entertainment. The shortened match duration ensures that every point counts, pushing players to adopt aggressive strategies and keep up a fast pace. This format eliminates drawn-out battles, making each match a thrilling sprint rather than a marathon.

The Wind Doesn’t Decide the Match—You Do

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Wind: The Ultimate Game Changer

Wind disrupts rhythm, makes ball control difficult, and forces players to think and react differently. At tournaments like Indian Wells, where gusts can reach 60 kph, the wind isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a game-changer.

To succeed in blustery conditions, you must adjust your mindset, technique, and strategy. Here’s how to play smarter, stay composed, and compete in the wind.

Respect the Wind and Adjust Your Mindset

“Respect the wind.” – Belinda Bencic

Instead of fighting the wind, learn to work with it. Complaining won’t change conditions, but staying calm and adaptable will give you an edge. Players who mentally accept the challenge and focus on adjustments instead of frustrations perform better.

  • Stay patient – Don’t rush points.
  • Forget perfection – Focus on big targets rather than precise winners.
  • Mentally embrace the challenge – The wind affects your opponent too.

Pro Tip: Use deep breathing exercises to stay relaxed and visualization to anticipate changes in ball trajectory.

Play with Big Margins and Controlled Power

“You got to give yourself big margins… get your running shoes on.” – Rinky Hijikata

Windy conditions make precision difficult. Play with more safety and control:

  • Aim for the middle third of the court instead of the lines.
  • Hit higher over the net to avoid the wind dragging your shots down.
  • Use topspin to keep the ball in play, especially when hitting with the wind.
  • Avoid flat shots, as they are more easily affected by gusts.

Key Takeaway: When in doubt, aim deep and high. It’s better to make your opponent play than risk unforced errors.

Adjust Your Serve for Wind Control

The wind can send your toss flying and mess up your timing. To keep your serve effective:

  • Lower your toss to reduce movement in the air.
  • Increase spin to add control and consistency.
  • If serving into the wind, swing aggressively to prevent the ball from floating short.
  • If serving with the wind, keep serves lower to prevent them from sailing long.

Use the Wind to Your Advantage

Understanding wind direction is key:

WIND DIRECTION STRATEGY
At your back Use topspin to bring the ball down. Step forward on returns.
Against you Swing more aggressively. The wind will slow your shots, allowing you to generate more spin and depth.
Crosswind Adjust your stance and footwork to prepare for last-second ball movement.

Tip: Play smart, not hard. Let the wind work for you, not against you.

Master Footwork and Balance

Wind makes last-second adjustments crucial. To stay in position:

  • Use small prep steps instead of big lunges.
  • Maintain a wide base to stay balanced.
  • Perfect your split-step for quick reactions.
  • Agility drills like side shuffles and carioca runs improve wind-ready movement.

Change Your Strategy to Suit the Wind

Instead of long rallies, mix up your game:

Against the wind:

  • Drop shots work well, as the wind helps slow them down.
  • Attack the net, as volleys are easier to control than groundstrokes.

With the wind:

  • Flatten out shots, as the wind will naturally add power.
  • Deep lobs push your opponent back.

Adjusting your tactics mid-match can completely throw off an opponent who doesn’t adapt.

Stay Mentally Tough and Embrace the Challenge

The biggest advantage in the wind isn’t technique—it’s mental strength. Stay composed with these techniques:

  • Pre-shot routines keep you focused.
  • Positive self-talk prevents frustration (“I can handle this.”).
  • Breathing exercises help maintain composure.

Key Takeaway: Tennis is a mental game. The wind is just another opponent—outsmart it.

Wrap-Up: Winning in the Wind

✔ Accept the wind – Don’t fight it, adapt to it.
✔ Give yourself big margins – Play high-percentage tennis.
✔ Adjust your serve – Lower your toss and use more spin.
✔ Footwork is key – Stay balanced and be ready for quick changes.
✔ Change strategies – Use the wind to control points.
✔ Stay mentally strong – Adaptation wins matches.

Ball Watching: A Game-Changer in Tennis

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The Art of Ball Watching: A Game-Changer in Tennis

One of the most fundamental yet overlooked skills in tennis is truly watching the ball—not just seeing it, but reading it with intent. This skill separates good players from great ones, allowing them to anticipate, react, and execute with precision.

Take a look at this incredible moment between Coach Conchita Martínez and Mirra Andreeva—a perfect example of training this crucial skill. Their focus, coordination, and commitment to ball tracking translate directly into match success.

Source: Getty Images

Mastering Ball Tracking

To improve your ball-watching ability, focus on these key principles:

🔹 Focus on the Ball from the Toss to Contact

  • Whether it’s your opponent’s serve, your own shot preparation, or a rally exchange, keep your eyes locked on the ball from the moment it leaves the strings to the moment it reaches yours.

🔹 Use Peripheral Vision for Court Awareness

  • Elite players don’t just stare at the ball; they use peripheral awareness to track their opponent’s movements while maintaining sharp focus.

🔹 Read the Spin, Speed, and Trajectory

  • The earlier you can read the spin, the better you can adjust your footwork and prepare your racket.
    • Topspin? Move back slightly.
    • Flat drive? Stay lower.
    • Slice? Get under it.

🔹 Soft Eyes vs. Hard Eyes

  • Soft eyes allow you to stay focused while maintaining awareness of movement and positioning.
  • Hard eyes lead to tunnel vision, causing you to stare through the ball and lose critical perception.

Why We Prioritize Ball Watching in Training

This explains why our Sunday sessions typically start with developing ball-watching skills. Before players work on technical or tactical aspects, we emphasize improving their ability to track the ball effectively.

A well-trained eye leads to:
✔️ Better shot preparation
✔️ Cleaner execution
✔️ More consistent performance under pressure

The Importance of Ball Watching as You Age

Maintaining strong ball-watching skills becomes even more crucial as players age. It helps compensate for any decline in reaction time and ensures better anticipation and shot execution.

Final Takeaway

Watching the ball is not just a basic skill—it’s a game-changer. Work on it consistently, and you’ll see improvements in timing, consistency, and overall performance on the court.

The Fragility of Tennis Confidence: How Close Losses Shape a Player’s Mentality

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Medvedev: The Mental Toll of Losing Close Matches

Losing a close match in tennis can be one of the most frustrating experiences for a player. It’s not just about the loss—it’s about coming so close to victory, only to see it slip away. The emotional toll can be significant, leading to self-doubt and hesitation in future pressure moments.

Daniil Medvedev understands this struggle well. Since his heartbreaking five-set loss to Jannik Sinner in the 2024 Australian Open final, he has suffered several painful defeats in tight matches. These losses have tested his confidence, making his victory over Arthur Fils at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells this week even more meaningful.

The Fine Margins of Victory and Defeat

Against Fils, Medvedev found himself down a break in the third set, close to another painful defeat. Then, on match point down, Fils had a routine volley in the breaker. Instead, his shot floated just long—match over!

Medvedev, caught off guard by the mistake, erupted in an uncharacteristic celebration before quickly composing himself and acknowledging his opponent.

That moment highlighted the emotions of a player who had endured too many close losses. As Medvedev admitted:

“The more you lose matches like this, the more you lose confidence in these tight moments. If I would have lost this one, I would have felt bad.”

Winning these matches restores belief. Losing them repeatedly erodes it.

How Close Losses Affect Confidence

Confidence is everything in high-pressure moments. Players who have won tight matches in the past believe they will do it again. Those who have lost them start to doubt themselves.

Here’s how repeated close losses impact a player mentally:

  • Hesitation Under Pressure – Players start second-guessing their decisions, leading to slower reactions and missed opportunities.
  • Fear of Repeating the Pain – When past failures linger in the mind, players tighten up in similar situations.
  • Shift in Self-Perception – A once clutch player may begin to doubt their ability to handle pressure moments.

How to Overcome the Mental Toll of Close Losses

Medvedev’s reaction to his win over Fils provides a roadmap for handling the psychological effects of close losses. Here’s what competitive players can learn:

1. Reframe the Narrative

Instead of dwelling on past heartbreaks, view them as learning experiences. Medvedev understood that these matches shape confidence.

If you lost a close one, remind yourself:

✅ I was good enough to be in that position, and next time, I’ll be even better.

2. Practice Under Pressure

The best way to prepare for clutch moments is to simulate them in training. Try these drills:

  • Tie-Break Training – Play sets where every game starts at deuce or jump straight into tiebreakers.
  • Serve for the Match Simulations – Begin a practice game at 5-4 and serve as if it’s a real match situation.
  • Mental Challenges – Intentionally create scenarios where you must perform under pressure.

3. Develop a Post-Match Routine

Handling close losses properly is just as important as preparing for them. After a tough defeat:

  • Analyze Objectively – Watch the match or discuss key moments with a coach.
  • Focus on Growth – Identify areas for improvement rather than labeling the loss as a failure.
  • Reset Mentally – Avoid dwelling on mistakes. Look ahead to the next opportunity.

4. Maintain Physical and Mental Agility

Confidence in tight moments is often linked to movement. Medvedev’s resilience is built on his ability to cover the court effectively.

Improving footwork through agility drills can help players feel more in control under pressure​. Some key exercises include:

  • Side Shuffle Drills for lateral quickness​.
  • Split-Step Training to improve reaction time​.
  • Lateral Ladders to enhance coordination​.

Additionally, simple techniques such as the tennis ball squeeze have been shown to reduce choking in crucial moments​.

5. Build an Identity as a Fighter

Medvedev summed up his mindset perfectly:

“I run, I fight. Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn’t. I was happy it worked out today.”

This attitude is key. Instead of fearing a loss, embrace the identity of a player who fights for every point, no matter the score.

Wrap-Up

Losing close matches can shake confidence, but winning them restores it. Medvedev’s victory over Fils was a reminder that persistence pays off.

The next time you find yourself in a tight moment, remember:

🔥 Every heartbreaking loss brings you one step closer to your next breakthrough.

Keep fighting, keep believing, and when your moment comes—celebrate it! 🎉

Micro-Dosing Strength Training

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Micro-Dosing Strength Training for Tennis

Originating from Premier League soccer, micro-dosing strength training is a modern approach where athletes perform small, frequent doses of strength exercises rather than traditional long or intense lifting sessions. Initially developed to help soccer players maintain explosiveness, endurance, and injury resilience amid congested match schedules, this strategy has found a natural application in tennis, where players also face high match volumes, limited recovery time, and the need for sustained physical performance. By optimizing strength gains while minimizing fatigue and injury risk, micro-dosing ensures that tennis players remain powerful, agile, and match-ready throughout the season.

Why Micro-Dosing Works for Tennis Players

Tennis is a sport that requires a combination of:

  • Explosive power (for serves, groundstrokes, and sprinting)
  • Endurance (for long matches and tournaments)
  • Agility & balance (for lateral and multi-directional movement)
  • Injury prevention (to counteract repetitive stress on joints and muscles)

Traditional weightlifting programs often lead to muscle soreness and prolonged recovery periods, which can interfere with on-court performance. Micro-dosing solves this by spreading strength work across the week in short, controlled doses, ensuring consistent progress without overloading the body.

How Micro-Dosing Strength Training Applies to Tennis

1. Frequency Over Volume

  • Perform strength training exercises four to six times per week instead of two to three heavy lifting days.
  • Each session is short (10-20 minutes) and focuses on one or two key muscle groups.
  • The goal is to maintain strength without fatigue that affects match performance.

2. Low-Intensity, High-Quality Movements

  • Instead of heavy lifts, use moderate resistance (50-70 percent of max effort).
  • Emphasize explosive yet controlled movements to mimic tennis-specific actions.
  • No muscle failure or excessive fatigue, ensuring readiness for match play.

3. Functional Strength for Tennis

Micro-dosing workouts should focus on tennis-specific movements to enhance performance and prevent injuries.

Exercise Category Example Exercises Why It’s Important
Core Stability Plank variations, Pallof press, Medicine ball rotations Improves rotational power for ground strokes and serves
Lower Body Power Bulgarian split squats, Jump squats, Lateral lunges Strengthens legs for quick lateral movements
Upper Body Strength Banded rows, Shoulder stability exercises, Farmer’s carries Supports powerful shots and prevents shoulder injuries
Explosive Speed Mini hurdle drills, Sprint starts, Resistance band runs Enhances acceleration and on-court agility
Recovery & Mobility Yoga, Foam rolling, Resistance band stretches Reduces injury risk and maintains flexibility

Benefits of Micro-Dosing Strength Training

  • Sustains strength and power without muscle soreness
  • Fits seamlessly into a busy tournament schedule
  • Reduces injury risk by maintaining mobility and stability
  • Improves on-court endurance without excessive fatigue

This method keeps tennis players strong, agile, and resilient, ensuring they can compete at their highest level without compromising recovery.

The Challenge of Longevity in Tennis & Soccer

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The Challenge of Longevity in Elite Sports

Elite athletes in sports like soccer and tennis push their bodies to the limit season after season, facing relentless schedules, high-intensity competition, and mounting injury risks. With minimal recovery time and rising expectations, the challenge is no longer just about reaching peak performance—it’s about sustaining it over a long career.

  • Soccer players endure congested fixture calendars, often playing 60+ matches per season, leading to muscle and tendon injuries due to insufficient structured training.
  • Tennis professionals face a year-round season with no true off-season, battling overuse injuries and mental fatigue while constantly traveling.

As both sports continue to evolve in speed and intensity, longevity now depends on cutting-edge training adaptations, personalized recovery strategies, and psychological resilience.

So, how can modern athletes extend their careers while preserving their physical health and mental well-being?

Coping with a Relentless Schedule

Both professional tennis and soccer place extreme physical and mental demands on athletes due to their packed competition schedules. While these sports differ in structure—tennis as an individual, year-round sport and soccer as a team-based league format—they share similar challenges in managing fatigue, preventing injuries, and optimizing performance.

1. Match Overload and Limited Recovery

  • Soccer: Top players compete in domestic leagues, international tournaments, and European competitions, playing every 3-4 days with minimal time for proper training.
  • Tennis: Professionals play 80+ matches per season, covering ATP/WTA events, Grand Slams, Davis Cup/Billie Jean King Cup, and exhibition matches, with no true off-season.

✅ Common Challenge: High match volume leads to muscle fatigue, overuse injuries, and burnout, requiring careful workload management.

2. Injury Risks and Physiological Toll

  • Soccer: Players cover 10-12 km per match, with a high percentage of sprints and high-intensity movements, leading to hamstring strains, ACL tears, and tendon issues.
  • Tennis: The sport’s repetitive movements cause chronic overuse injuries in the shoulder, wrist, and knees, along with stress fractures and muscle strains from sudden directional changes.

✅ Common Challenge: Both sports demand explosive speed, agility, and endurance, making conditioning and injury prevention crucial for career longevity.

3. Training Adaptations

  • Soccer: Teams use “micro-dosing” strength training, focusing on low-intensity, frequent exercises over traditional weightlifting. Recovery includes sports massages, ice baths, and hydration protocols.
  • Tennis: Players prioritize active recovery, physiotherapy, and functional strength training, emphasizing core stability, flexibility, and movement efficiency.

✅ Common Strategy: Both sports rely on sports science and individualized training plans to balance recovery, injury prevention, and sustained performance.

4. Performance Monitoring and Technology

  • Soccer: Clubs use AI-driven injury prediction, GPS tracking, biomechanics analysis, and blood tests to monitor muscle fatigue and immune response.
  • Tennis: Players rely on wearable technology, heart rate variability tracking, and video analysis to assess movement efficiency and workload.

✅ Common Approach: Real-time data analysis, biomechanics, and sports science help athletes optimize performance and avoid injuries.

5. Mental Fatigue and Burnout

  • Soccer: Constant travel, high-pressure matches, and lack of extended breaks lead to mental fatigue and stress, prompting early retirements (e.g., Raphaël Varane).
  • Tennis: The nonstop season and psychological demands cause mental exhaustion, contributing to early retirements (e.g., Ashleigh Barty).

✅ Common Challenge: Psychological resilience is key. Strategies like mindfulness, visualization, and mental conditioning help players maintain focus and avoid burnout.

Final Thoughts: The Key to Longevity in Elite Sports

Both soccer and tennis demand:

  • Peak physical fitness
  • Quick recovery
  • Strategic workload management

While soccer players contend with a congested fixture calendar, tennis professionals must navigate a year-long season with no real downtime.

The key to longevity lies in smart recovery, scientific training adaptations, and mental resilience. As athletes continue pushing their bodies to the limit, finding sustainable solutions for performance and recovery will define how long they stay at the top.

Why This Matters for Athletes and Coaches

✅ Understanding sports science, injury prevention, and mental conditioning can prolong careers.
✅ Implementing smarter training and recovery strategies can enhance long-term performance.
✅ Monitoring workload and psychological well-being is just as critical as physical fitness.

As the demands of elite sports evolve, staying at the top requires more than talent—it demands a strategy for longevity.

Badge Gradings Posted

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Sydney Badge has announced final gradings for the 2025 season.

Click here for Gradings.

 

 

 

 

 

Your Attitude Doesn’t Decide the Match—You Do

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How Do You Stay Mentally Strong in Matches?

Tennis is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one. Your attitude—how you handle adversity, pressure, and momentum shifts—can either propel you to victory or hold you back. But in the end, it’s you who decides the outcome, not your emotions. The players who succeed are the ones who learn to control their mindset, stay composed, and compete with clarity.

If you want to play your best under any circumstances, mastering your attitude is essential. Here’s how you can take charge of your mental game and turn your mindset into your biggest weapon.

The Attitude Factor in Tennis

Matches aren’t won by talent alone. How you respond to challenges, handle mistakes, and manage pressure plays a major role in determining the final result.

The best players don’t let frustration, self-doubt, or negativity dictate their performance. Instead, they train their minds just as they train their strokes—building resilience, focus, and confidence so that they control their attitude rather than letting their attitude control them.

Respect Your Emotions, But Don’t Let Them Control You

“Respect your emotions, but don’t let them define your game.”

Emotions are natural, but they don’t have to dictate your actions. Great players acknowledge frustration, nerves, or disappointment, but they don’t dwell on them. Instead, they shift their focus to solutions rather than problems.

  • Accept that frustration will happen, but don’t engage with it.
  • Learn to reset quickly after mistakes.
  • Stay present—focus on the next point, not the last one.

Pro Tip: Use deep breathing exercises to calm your mind and visualization to reinforce confidence under pressure.

Play with a Positive and Focused Mindset

“You don’t have to feel good to play well, but you do have to stay focused.”

Your attitude affects your shot selection, footwork, and decision-making. When you let negativity take over, your footwork slows, racket preparation lags, and you start playing defensively.

To keep your focus sharp:

  • Use positive self-talk – Replace “I always miss that shot” with “Next time, I’ll adjust.”
  • Keep your body language strong – Walk confidently, even after losing a point.
  • Commit to every shot – Second-guessing leads to hesitation, which leads to errors.

Key Takeaway: Confidence comes from action. Keep moving forward, point by point.

Control What You Can, Let Go of What You Can’t

Tennis is unpredictable. Bad calls, net cords, tricky opponents—many things are outside your control. The key is to focus on what you can control:

OUT OF YOUR CONTROL IN YOUR CONTROL
Opponent’s game Your shot selection
Crowd noise Your breathing and focus
Line calls Your reaction and next shot
Match conditions Your footwork and energy

The players who succeed aren’t those who avoid problems but those who handle them with composure.

Tip: Frustration is wasted energy. Channel it into determination instead.

Master Your Body Language and Presence

How you carry yourself on the court affects not only your own mindset but also your opponent’s perception of you.

  • Stand tall, even after errors.
  • Avoid slumping, shaking your head, or showing frustration.
  • Take deep, controlled breaths between points.

Your opponent is watching for signs of weakness. Show confidence, and you’ll have an edge even before the next point starts.

Adjust Your Strategy Instead of Complaining

If something isn’t working, adapt instead of reacting emotionally.

  • Struggling with consistency? Add more margin to your shots.
  • Opponent dominating with power? Mix in slices and change the pace.
  • Feeling rushed? Use deep, high balls to slow the game down.

The players who adjust are the ones who win. Excuses don’t change the score—smart adjustments do.

Stay Mentally Tough When It Matters Most

The difference between winning and losing often comes down to who handles pressure better. Here’s how to train mental toughness:

  • Pre-shot routines keep you focused and prevent rushing.
  • Positive self-talk helps you stay confident under pressure.
  • Deep breathing calms your nerves before big points.
  • Focus on your strengths instead of your opponent’s game.

Key Takeaway: Tennis is about problem-solving. Stay engaged, stay adaptable, and keep believing in yourself.

Final Takeaways: How to Control Your Attitude and Win More Matches

  • Accept that emotions will come and go—focus on staying composed.
  • Control your body language and mindset, no matter the score.
  • Stay solution-oriented—if something isn’t working, adjust.
  • Confidence comes from action—keep moving forward.
  • Stay mentally tough in pressure moments—trust your preparation.

You Decide the Match, Not Your Attitude

Your attitude doesn’t define your match unless you let it. The best players don’t play well because they always feel great—they play well because they know how to stay composed, problem-solve, and compete with a clear mind.

Next time you step on the court, remember: You decide the match. Not your emotions. Not your frustrations.

It’s about You!

Sydney Badge Starts

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Draws available March 19.

Forster Seniors

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Dates tbc.

MLTC Senior Championships

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Events will be played over two consecutive weekends starting this Saturday 01/02 March. All events will be a round robin format, please check the links below for draws, dates and match times.

40+ Mens Doubles – Group 1

40+ Mens Doubles – Group 2

Combined 100 Mixed Doubles – Group 1

Combined 100 Mixed Doubles – Group 2

40+ Women’s Doubles

60+ Mens Doubles

Vale, Fred Stolle

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Vale, Fred Stolle

The tennis world bids farewell to Australian great Fred Stolle, who has passed away at the age of 86. A pivotal figure in the golden era of Australian tennis during the 1960s, Stolle made an immense impact both as a player and later as a respected commentator.

A Fierce Competitor and Grand Slam Champion

Nicknamed “Fiery Fred,” Stolle was known for his relentless drive and competitive spirit. He reached five Grand Slam singles finals before finally breaking through in 1965 at the French Championships, defeating fellow Australian Tony Roche on clay—his least preferred surface.

A year later, he captured the U.S. Championships title at Forest Hills, overcoming John Newcombe in an all-Australian final. This victory saw him rise to the world No. 1 ranking before turning professional.

A Doubles Icon

While his singles achievements were impressive, Stolle’s dominance in doubles was unparalleled. He won 17 Grand Slam doubles titles, securing all four major championships in his career. His partnerships with Roy Emerson, Bob Hewitt, and Ken Rosewall helped define an era where Australia was at the pinnacle of world tennis.

Additionally, Stolle won seven mixed doubles Grand Slams, playing alongside legends such as Margaret Court and Lesley Turner Bowrey.

Davis Cup Heroics

Stolle played a crucial role in Australia’s Davis Cup triumphs in 1964, 1965, and 1966. His unforgettable five-set victories in high-stakes matches showcased his resilience and ability to perform under immense pressure.

In 1964, with Australia trailing 2-1 against the United States, Stolle’s five-set win over Dennis Ralston kept his country’s hopes alive. The following year, he led the charge in Sydney, defeating Spain’s Manolo Santana in another grueling battle.

A Mentor and Commentator

After retiring from professional play, Stolle transitioned into coaching, guiding Vitas Gerulaitis to the 1977 Australian Open title. His deep knowledge of the game and sharp tactical mind also made him a sought-after television commentator.

His insightful analysis and engaging storytelling helped educate and entertain generations of tennis fans worldwide.

A Personal Memory

I had the pleasure of playing against Fred several times and often caught up with him in the U.S. when he was playing in World Team Tennis.

The last time I saw him was several years ago at the Manly Golf Club. A friend of mine, eager to meet him, asked for an introduction. Gracious as ever, Fred came over and spent 15 minutes in gentle conversation, sharing stories and making my mate feel as if they had known each other for years.

That was Fred—humble, kind, and always generous with his time.

A Lasting Legacy

Fred Stolle’s impact on tennis goes beyond titles and trophies. His dedication, sportsmanship, and contributions to the game as a player, coach, and commentator have left an enduring mark.

He is survived by his wife Pat, his son Sandon—a U.S. Open doubles champion—and his daughters Monique and Nadine.

Rest in peace, Fred Stolle.