TOP TIP: It's All Mental

As if the game itself isn’t challenging enough, your mindset plays a crucial role in performance. A strong mental approach helps you make better decisions, stay positive, remain focused on the task at hand, and ultimately perform at your best.

How you carry yourself mentally on court can make or break a match. Preparation is key — from how you start your morning, to arriving on time, having the right equipment for the conditions, and completing an effective warm-up. Every detail contributes to your readiness and can influence the outcome of the match.

During play, maintaining focus is essential. Every point matters. It’s important to stay emotionally neutral — avoiding complacency when things are going well, and not becoming discouraged when momentum shifts. Both extremes can be costly. Perfection doesn’t exist, so setting realistic expectations gives you the best chance of success. At the same time, reaching higher levels requires taking calculated risks — some won’t pay off, but others will be key to progress.

After the match, reflect on your performance and set clear goals to strengthen your mental game, reducing negative habits and reinforcing positive ones.

Personally, I aim to stay just above neutral — around 60% — to keep a consistent, positive mindset throughout competition.