Tennis 4 Life — The Struggle to Become Ourselves
After reading David Brooks’ New York Times essay, “A Surprising Route to the Best Life Possible,” I found myself reflecting on my own tennis journey.
Brooks tells the story of Haruki Murakami’s unexpected shift from jazz club owner to novelist and marathon runner — a transformation sparked by a quiet moment of intuition that led to a life of discipline, endurance, and personal evolution.
It made me realize how similar my own path has been.
What began as a simple curiosity — learning how to hit the ball cleanly, how to rally, how to win points — slowly evolved into something much deeper. That quiet, internal pull to improve, to master the game, and to better understand myself through the process has been the real reward.
Brooks’ reflections helped me see that my tennis path has never been just about competition — it’s been about answering a calling, one driven by wonder, shaped by effort, and sustained by a love for the journey itself.
Tennis as Enchantment
Every tennis journey begins with a spark — a moment of enchantment. Maybe it was the thrill of your first clean winner, or the peace of hitting balls alone against the back fence. That moment didn’t just hook you to a sport; it whispered, this could be your path. That’s the kind of moment Brooks describes — not dramatic, but defining.
Struggle Is the Way
We don’t train because it’s comfortable. We train because it calls us toward growth. Tennis asks for your time, your focus, your heart — and it gives back depth, discipline, and resilience. Every tough session, every emotional loss, every comeback is part of the process of becoming who we’re meant to be.
As Brooks puts it, “People choose pain for meaning.” We choose the hard road, not because we’re masochists, but because we believe in what it leads to.
The Court Is a Mirror of Life
Tennis reveals who you are under pressure. It surfaces habits, emotions, blind spots — and invites you to evolve. One moment, you’re squeezing a ball to calm nerves before a serve. The next, you’re re-learning footwork to improve efficiency. And over time, you’re not just building skills — you’re shaping character.
This is the Tennis 4 Life ethos: use the game to grow the person.
From Goals to Identity
Winning matches is nice. Winning championships is great. But those moments — thrilling as they are — are fleeting. The trophy gathers dust, the high fades, and the scoreboard resets. What lasts isn’t the result; it’s who you became in the process.
The deeper transformation happens when tennis becomes part of your identity. When it’s no longer just about chasing outcomes, but about becoming someone who lives the values of the game: discipline, resilience, courage, and presence. As James Clear says, we become what we habitually do. When you train with intention, focus under pressure, and lead with integrity — you’re not just playing tennis. You’re rehearsing who you want to be.
Each practice, each tough match, each setback overcome is not just a step toward your tennis goals — it’s a brick in the foundation of your character. And over time, you realize the pursuit was never about the destination. It was about becoming the kind of person who shows up fully, keeps growing, and plays with purpose — on and off the court.
True Leisure is Meaningful Work
For us, leisure isn’t passive — it’s purposeful. It’s the quiet rhythm of hitting serves on an empty court. The joy of refining a movement pattern until it flows. The deep satisfaction of a hard-fought match, win or lose.
Tennis becomes a moving meditation — a daily ritual that brings structure, clarity, and passion to our lives.
A Quest That Shapes Us
We don’t expect to “arrive.” Like Murakami’s endless marathons, tennis is a lifelong pursuit. We chase better versions of ourselves, knowing we’ll never fully catch them — and that’s the point. The process is the prize. The struggle is the gift.
Tennis 4 Life = Living With Direction
In a world full of drift, tennis gives us direction. It invites us to build habits, seek feedback, stay grounded. It anchors our days and expands our potential. And most of all, it transforms us.
Not just into better players.
But into better people.
If you love tennis enough to sweat for it, suffer for it, and come back again and again — not in spite of the difficulty but because of it — then you’re already living the Tennis 4 Life journey.
Let the court be your teacher. Let the game be your guide. And let the pursuit continue — not toward perfection, but toward the best version of yourself.
16°C
It’s 2025: The Raison d’Être of the Tennis Whisperer
/in News, Whisperer/by RobWelcome to 2025!
What We Offer
Here at The Tennis Whisperer, we focus on four essential areas of tennis:
Practical advice and techniques to sharpen your skills.
Advanced tactics for both singles and doubles play.
Tips to keep you in peak physical condition.
Updates from the tennis world.
We post periodically, with more frequent updates during Badge season or tournaments. Posts are inspired by match takeaways, training insights, or timely teaching moments from lessons and clinics. Not every post will resonate with every reader, but there’s always something valuable for those seeking to elevate their game.
Cutting Through the Noise
Let’s face it—there’s a lot of questionable tennis advice out there. Take, for example, the overhyped “windscreen wiper” groundstroke, which might do more harm than good. Many online sources rely on cookie-cutter coaching or a “copy my game” approach. While these methods may work for some, they often ignore that every player is unique.
Instead of imitating others, your goal should be to craft your game around your unique strengths. This approach ensures that your game reflects your abilities, harnesses your strengths, and feels authentic to you as a player.
Timeless Wisdom
Mercer Beasley, the legendary coach of tennis icons Ellsworth Vines, Wilmer Allison, and Frank Parker, distilled tennis fundamentals into three powerful principles:
These principles remain as relevant today as ever. They remind us that while tennis evolves, its foundation is timeless—a harmonious blend of physics, geometry, and psychology.
Let’s Make 2025 a Winning Year! 🎾
This year, we’ll continue exploring these timeless truths while diving deeper into the strategies and techniques that make tennis the beautiful game it is. Together, we’ll grow, learn, and enjoy thrilling matches!
Here’s to another year of tennis excellence!
How to Serve When Under Extreme Pressure
/in News, Psychology, Whisperer/by RobHow to Handle Extreme Pressure When Serving
The Challenge: Serving Under Pressure
Question: You recently wrote about changeover psychology strategies, but how should a player handle the mental pressure of serving at 9/10 in a third-set tiebreaker?
When serving at 9/10 in a third-set tiebreaker, you don’t have the luxury of a full changeover reset. Your mental strategy must be fast, automatic, and pressure-proof. At this moment, your brain and body are under extreme stress, and the key is to simplify your focus and execute with clarity.
1. Use a Pre-Serve Ritual as a Mental Reset
Your pre-serve routine should be your mental anchor. This is not the time to think—it’s the time to act on habit. Players like Djokovic and Nadal use deep breathing, bouncing the ball a set number of times, or adopting a specific stance to reset under pressure.
Take a deep breath. Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth.
Bounce the ball with intention. Feel the rhythm—this is your moment to control.
Remind yourself of your plan. One simple thought (e.g., “wide slice” or “hit your spot”).
Commit fully. No second-guessing—once you toss the ball, trust it.
2. Shrink Your Focus: Pick a Micro Target
Instead of thinking about the score or pressure, zoom in on a tiny target. This could be:
A spot on the service box
The top of the net cord
A specific angle on your toss
By narrowing your focus, you eliminate distractions. Your brain can’t panic about losing if it’s locked in on execution.
3. Slow Down Your Mind: The Power of a 2-Second Pause
Right before you toss the ball, pause for a second. This short break allows your mind to override tension and ensures you don’t rush the serve.
Tension kills precision—the pause helps you release unnecessary tightness.
It reinforces control—you dictate the tempo, not the score.
It prevents panic reactions—most errors under pressure come from rushing.
If you watch Roger Federer, you’ll notice his pause before serving in key moments—this is a trained habit.
4. Simplify Your Decision: Stick to Your Best Play
At 9/10, you need a high-percentage serve that gives you an advantage. Now is not the time to try a risky second serve down the T if you haven’t hit it confidently all match.
Ask yourself:
What is my best serve under pressure? (Slice wide? Body serve? Heavy kick?)
What will give me the best chance to control the point?
Make the decision before you step to the line, so you’re executing, not debating.
5. Control Your Thoughts: Use a Short, Powerful Cue
Negative thoughts will try to creep in: “What if I double fault?” “What if I lose?”
Instead, replace fear with a simple cue that triggers action, such as:
“Loose arm, full wheel.” (Prevents tightening up.)
“High toss, full extension.” (Reinforces technical fundamentals.)
“Trust it.” (Encourages full commitment.)
This keeps your mind clear and your body relaxed under pressure.
Putting It All Together: A Pressure-Proof Serving Routine
Deep breath. Reset and slow your heart rate.
Visual target. Pick a specific spot in the service box.
Pre-serve ritual. Ball bounces, pause, loose grip.
Commit to the serve. No second-guessing—full execution.
Clear cue. A simple phrase to keep focus and stay loose.
This entire process takes less than 10 seconds, but it transforms how you handle high-pressure serving situations.
Wrap: Shrink the Moment, Execute with Confidence
Serving at 9/10 in a deciding tiebreaker is one of the hardest moments in tennis, but the key is to make the moment smaller by focusing on execution, not outcome.
The best players aren’t fearless—they train their minds to execute despite the fear.
At 9/10, your goal is not to “not miss”—your goal is to trust and execute.
If you have these habits built into your game, you’ll be able to step up and hit the serve you want, not the serve your nerves force you into.
Why Doubles Isn’t Optional for Developing Tennis Players
/in Doubles, News, Whisperer/by RobThe Power of Doubles in Player Development: A Case Study with Mirra Andreeva
Why Doubles Matters—Even at the Club Level
A Development Path Worth Backing
Tennis 4 Life: The Journey That Shapes Us
/in News, Tennis4Life/by RobTennis 4 Life — The Struggle to Become Ourselves
After reading David Brooks’ New York Times essay, “A Surprising Route to the Best Life Possible,” I found myself reflecting on my own tennis journey.
Brooks tells the story of Haruki Murakami’s unexpected shift from jazz club owner to novelist and marathon runner — a transformation sparked by a quiet moment of intuition that led to a life of discipline, endurance, and personal evolution.
It made me realize how similar my own path has been.
What began as a simple curiosity — learning how to hit the ball cleanly, how to rally, how to win points — slowly evolved into something much deeper. That quiet, internal pull to improve, to master the game, and to better understand myself through the process has been the real reward.
Brooks’ reflections helped me see that my tennis path has never been just about competition — it’s been about answering a calling, one driven by wonder, shaped by effort, and sustained by a love for the journey itself.
Tennis as Enchantment
Every tennis journey begins with a spark — a moment of enchantment. Maybe it was the thrill of your first clean winner, or the peace of hitting balls alone against the back fence. That moment didn’t just hook you to a sport; it whispered, this could be your path. That’s the kind of moment Brooks describes — not dramatic, but defining.
Struggle Is the Way
We don’t train because it’s comfortable. We train because it calls us toward growth. Tennis asks for your time, your focus, your heart — and it gives back depth, discipline, and resilience. Every tough session, every emotional loss, every comeback is part of the process of becoming who we’re meant to be.
As Brooks puts it, “People choose pain for meaning.” We choose the hard road, not because we’re masochists, but because we believe in what it leads to.
The Court Is a Mirror of Life
Tennis reveals who you are under pressure. It surfaces habits, emotions, blind spots — and invites you to evolve. One moment, you’re squeezing a ball to calm nerves before a serve. The next, you’re re-learning footwork to improve efficiency. And over time, you’re not just building skills — you’re shaping character.
This is the Tennis 4 Life ethos: use the game to grow the person.
From Goals to Identity
Winning matches is nice. Winning championships is great. But those moments — thrilling as they are — are fleeting. The trophy gathers dust, the high fades, and the scoreboard resets. What lasts isn’t the result; it’s who you became in the process.
The deeper transformation happens when tennis becomes part of your identity. When it’s no longer just about chasing outcomes, but about becoming someone who lives the values of the game: discipline, resilience, courage, and presence. As James Clear says, we become what we habitually do. When you train with intention, focus under pressure, and lead with integrity — you’re not just playing tennis. You’re rehearsing who you want to be.
Each practice, each tough match, each setback overcome is not just a step toward your tennis goals — it’s a brick in the foundation of your character. And over time, you realize the pursuit was never about the destination. It was about becoming the kind of person who shows up fully, keeps growing, and plays with purpose — on and off the court.
True Leisure is Meaningful Work
For us, leisure isn’t passive — it’s purposeful. It’s the quiet rhythm of hitting serves on an empty court. The joy of refining a movement pattern until it flows. The deep satisfaction of a hard-fought match, win or lose.
Tennis becomes a moving meditation — a daily ritual that brings structure, clarity, and passion to our lives.
A Quest That Shapes Us
We don’t expect to “arrive.” Like Murakami’s endless marathons, tennis is a lifelong pursuit. We chase better versions of ourselves, knowing we’ll never fully catch them — and that’s the point. The process is the prize. The struggle is the gift.
Tennis 4 Life = Living With Direction
In a world full of drift, tennis gives us direction. It invites us to build habits, seek feedback, stay grounded. It anchors our days and expands our potential. And most of all, it transforms us.
Not just into better players.
But into better people.
If you love tennis enough to sweat for it, suffer for it, and come back again and again — not in spite of the difficulty but because of it — then you’re already living the Tennis 4 Life journey.
Let the court be your teacher. Let the game be your guide. And let the pursuit continue — not toward perfection, but toward the best version of yourself.
Badge Parking in Manly
/in News, Tournaments/by RobIf you’re playing Badge in Manly, here’s everything you need to know about parking before your match.
Manly is a vibrant and popular destination, attracting both locals and tourists year-round. As a result, parking in the area—especially close to our Club—can be limited.
⏳ Street Parking
Most nearby street parking is restricted to 2-hour limits. This can be challenging for Badge matches, which often run longer than that.
🅿️ Best Option: Whistler Street Car Park
For longer-term or more secure parking, we suggest using the Whistler Street Car Park. It’s the closest public facility to our Club and can be accessed via a right-hand turn at the bottom of Sydney Road.
This option allows you to avoid the stress of watching the clock and moving your car mid-match.
✅ Pro Tip: Arrive Early
To ensure a smooth start to your day, please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled match time. This is especially important on weekends and during peak periods, when parking availability is even tighter.
🔗 Permanent Link
Save this page with a handy map for future reference:
👉 https://www.tenniswhisperer.com/home/badge-2025/parking/
Or scan this QR code –>
QR Code for Parking
Alexandra Eala
/in Goss, News/by RobEala: An Inevitable Breakthrough
A Foundation Built for Success
A Player Built for the Big Stage
What Comes Next
Alexandra Eala
The Strange Science of Recovery
/in News, Recovery, Tennis4Life/by RobIn Good to Go: What the Athlete in All of Us Can Learn from the Strange Science of Recovery, science journalist Christie Aschwanden explores the fast-growing world of athletic recovery. From cryotherapy chambers and infrared saunas to foam rollers and wearable tech, the book examines what actually works—and what’s mostly hype.
Aschwanden, a former elite endurance athlete and seasoned science writer, investigates the evidence (or lack of it) behind today’s most popular recovery trends. Her tone is skeptical but grounded, offering a refreshingly honest look at a topic often driven by marketing.
Her core message: Recovery is essential—but much of what we believe about it isn’t backed by science.
Key Takeaways from Good to Go
1. Recovery is Essential—but Often Misunderstood
Recovery plays a key role in how our bodies adapt to stress, rebuild tissue, and improve performance. But many widely used recovery methods—like compression gear, cold plunges, or massage guns—lack strong scientific support. The marketing often moves faster than the research.
2. The Placebo Effect is Real and Powerful
Many recovery techniques seem to work because athletes believe they work. That belief alone can reduce the perception of soreness, improve mood, and enhance recovery. The mind is a powerful part of the recovery process.
3. Sleep is the Best Recovery Tool We Have
Science consistently shows that sleep is the most effective form of recovery. It supports muscle repair, hormonal balance, cognitive function, and immune health. No device or supplement compares to a solid night’s rest.
4. Food and Fluids: Keep It Simple
You don’t need expensive supplements or branded drinks. Balanced meals with protein, carbs, and hydration are more than enough. Aschwanden urges readers to skip the fads and stick with the basics: eat well and drink water.
5. More Isn’t Always Better
In today’s performance-driven culture, athletes often push too hard. One of the most overlooked aspects of recovery is simple rest. Taking a day off, or even doing less, can lead to better long-term results.
6. The Science is Still Catching Up
Trendy tools and protocols often go mainstream before being properly studied. Aschwanden advises a healthy dose of skepticism and encourages athletes to ask critical questions. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
7. Recovery is Personal
What helps one person recover might not help another. Rituals and routines—even those with limited scientific backing—can still be meaningful. If something makes you feel better, it might be worth doing, even if the mechanism isn’t fully understood.
Wrap:
Good to Go is a thoughtful, well-researched, and sometimes funny look at how we think about recovery. It’s not just for elite athletes—it’s for anyone who trains, competes, or simply wants to feel better after exercise.
The takeaway? Recovery matters. But it doesn’t have to be expensive, extreme, or backed by influencers.
Sometimes, the most effective tools are also the simplest: rest, sleep, good food, and paying attention to how you feel.
Learning from the Lows: Alcaraz on Match Dips
/in News, Psychology, Whisperer/by RobMatch Troughs: What Alcaraz Teaches Us
Tennis isn’t just a test of strokes and stamina—it’s a rollercoaster of momentum. Even the world’s best aren’t immune.
Carlos Alcaraz, a Grand Slam champion and current world No. 3, recently reflected on his early exit at the Miami Open after losing to David Goffin.
This quote speaks volumes about the match trough—a mental and physical dip during a match where your energy and sharpness drop, often while your opponent hits their peak.
Alcaraz has faced this before: Jesper de Jong at Roland Garros, Ugo Humbert in Paris, Jack Draper at Indian Wells—each opponent capitalized on a momentary lapse to flip the script.
But here’s the truth: every competitive player hits these troughs. What separates the great from the greatest is how they manage them.
What Causes the Match Trough?
1. Physical Fatigue
A small dip in stamina can mean slower footwork and reduced court coverage—just enough for your opponent to seize control.
2. Mental Disengagement
As Alcaraz notes, lacking physical confidence leads to hesitation. You start reacting instead of dictating.
3. Opponent’s Peak
Top players raise the level of their opponents. Even a brief lapse in your level can invite a surge you’re unprepared for.
Strategies to Climb Out of the Trough
1. Reset with Intention
Use between-point rituals to mentally reboot. A powerful method is the tennis ball squeeze—dynamically squeezing your non-dominant hand for 10–15 seconds. This technique has been shown to reduce stress and sharpen mental focus.
2. Breathe Like a Champion
Deep, slow breathing between points reduces heart rate and mental noise. This is a cornerstone of performance psychology.
3. Lock into Personal Rhythm
Get back to your rhythm—bouncing the ball the same number of times or adjusting your strings. Rituals create control amidst chaos.
4. Expect the Surge
Your opponent will make a push. Anticipating this makes it easier to absorb, recover, and counter when they dip.
5. Habit-Based Recovery
Using James Clear’s Atomic Habits framework, design your recovery routine:
Make it Obvious: Place a visual cue on your towel or racket.
Make it Attractive: Tie it to a positive mindset or momentum reset.
Make it Easy: Keep the ritual under two minutes.
Make it Satisfying: Reinforce the small win of regaining composure.
Closing Thought
Tennis is controlled chaos under pressure. Alcaraz’s recent struggles are a reminder that dips are inevitable—even for champions.
But staying in the trough? That’s optional.
Self-Talk: Lessons from Jack Draper’s Turnaround
/in News, Psychology, Whisperer/by RobTalk Yourself to Victory: Lessons from Jack Draper’s Indian Wells Turnaround
At Indian Wells two weeks ago, Jack Draper showed us something more powerful than a killer forehand: the right words at the right time.
In a brutal match against Carlos Alcaraz, Draper dropped six games in a row after winning the first set. Most players would spiral. Draper took a toilet break—and gave himself a pep talk that turned the match around.
He looked in the mirror and said, “You need to really get your stuff together.” Then he came back and dominated the third set. In the press conference, Draper credited that moment of self-talk as the key to his victory.
So what can we, as players, learn from this?
The Science of Self-Talk in Tennis
Sports psychology defines self-talk as the internal (or external) dialogue we use to direct or motivate ourselves. There are two major types:
Instructional Self-Talk: Focuses on technique and execution (e.g., “Get that racquet head up,” “Follow through on the forehand”).
Motivational Self-Talk: Boosts confidence and focus (e.g., “You’ve got this,” “Fight for every point”).
Studies have shown that:
Positive self-talk improves performance across sports.
Motivational self-talk increases power and resilience under pressure.
Instructional self-talk helps fine-tune precision and control.
Athletes who win use significantly less negative self-talk than those who lose.
Even better? Just using positive affirmations helps crowd out the negative ones—which can make a huge difference when the match is slipping away.
Should You Speak Out Loud?
There’s no clear consensus on whether it’s better to say self-talk out loud or keep it internal. But there is evidence that saying it aloud makes you more accountable, especially in front of others. Draper’s moment happened in private, but it was powerful because he meant every word.
What matters most is what you say and whether it flips your mental switch.
Find Your Style
Some players thrive on calm introspection (like Björn Borg). Others get fired up with vocal fire (think John McEnroe). Draper? Somewhere in between—he needed to reset and refocus, and he used a mirror to do it.
The key is knowing what works for you. Whether you’re a quiet Ice Man or a vocal battler, self-talk is a weapon if you learn how to use it.
Wrap
Jack Draper’s comeback didn’t happen because of a racquet change or coaching advice—it happened because he had a conversation with himself. In high-level tennis, your inner voice can either pull you apart or put you back together.
So next time you’re on the edge—down a break, rattled after a bad set—remember: you’ve got one of the most powerful tools in your game already.
Use it. Talk yourself to victory.
Game, Set, Assist – The Unsung Side of Doubles
/in Doubles, News, Whisperer/by RobGame, Set, Assist: The Hidden Art of Great Doubles Partners
In basketball, the assist is celebrated as a cornerstone of teamwork. It’s tracked, analyzed, and replayed.
Yet in doubles tennis, where collaboration is just as vital, the assist often goes unnoticed—the clever setup, the timely shift, the coverage of a partner’s blind side.
A perfect example of true partnership comes from an unexpected arena. Years ago, 13-year-old Natalie Zito was chosen to sing the national anthem before an NBA playoff game between Portland and Dallas.
Midway through the song, overcome by nerves, she froze. The crowd fell silent. Cameras rolled.
Then, a hand on her shoulder.
It was Portland coach Maurice Cheeks, a man with 7,392 assists in his playing career.
What followed may have been his 7,393rd—and most meaningful. He gently encouraged her, began singing along, and brought the crowd with him. Natalie finished the anthem. That moment changed her life.
Doubles tennis needs more of this spirit.
While stats often highlight aces, poaches, and winners, real doubles success is built on the invisible plays. It’s the partner who widens the hitting lane, shadows the net player, or takes a tough shot to let their teammate shine.
What Does an Assist Look Like in Doubles Tennis?
A serve placed to set up a poach
Subtle footwork movement at net to pressure the opponent
A quick “switch” call before your partner sees the lob coming
These moments don’t appear on the scoreboard, but they change the outcome of matches.
Assists in doubles are more strategic than statistical. They rely on timing, positioning, vision, and a deep sense of partnership.
Much like the systems James Clear outlines in Atomic Habits, these small, consistent actions have a compound effect.
Let’s give credit where it’s due. Let’s back the player who creates space, speaks up early, and has their mate’s back—even when they don’t hit the ball.
These are the assists of tennis.
And maybe, just maybe, they’re what make a good partner unforgettable.
Just like Maurice Cheeks’ 7,393rd.
Sydney Badge 2025 Draws
/in Goss, News, Tournaments/by RobSydney Badge 2025 Season Draws Released
Sydney Badge has officially announced the match draws for the 2025 season.
Since navigating the Tennis NSW website can be challenging, we’ve made things easier by sharing direct Match Centre links below.
Please note: you’ll need to log in with your Tennis NSW account to access the draws.
Click here for Badge Draws.
Game, Set, Stalemate
/in Goss, News/by RobGame, Set, Stalemate
Tennis and Investing: Why Avoiding Errors Matters More Than Big Wins
/in News, Psychology, Whisperer/by RobAvoiding 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
Tennis Equivalent
Solution
Emotional Investing vs. Mental Weakness on the Court
Investment Mistake
Tennis Equivalent
Solution
Being Too Risk-Averse vs. Playing Too Safe
Investment Mistake
Tennis Equivalent
Solution
Wrap
The Psychology Behind Draper’s Visual Focus at Indian Wells
/in News, Psychology, Whisperer/by RobDraper’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
/in Goss, News/by RobThe Wind Doesn’t Decide the Match—You Do
/in Ask the Pro, Psychology, Whisperer/by RobWind: 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.
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:
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:
Use the Wind to Your Advantage
Understanding wind direction is key:
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:
Change Your Strategy to Suit the Wind
Instead of long rallies, mix up your game:
Against the wind:
With the wind:
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:
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.