Tennis

Mental Toughness in Tennis: Mastering the Art of Clutch PerformanceIn the realm of competitive tennis, the ability to perform under pressure is paramount. As Billie Jean King famously stated, "Pressure is a privilege." However, harnessing the stress of a crucial match and rising to the occasion can be a daunting task for many players.Controlling EmotionsThe anxiety associated with closing out a tight match or relinquishing a comfortable lead can trigger mental turmoil. Players who succumb to these emotions often falter, sometimes in a rage-filled manner. Developing mental toughness requires controlling emotions and focusing on what can be controlled.Concentrating on the PresentDwelling on bad breaks or external factors can derail mental composure. Instead, players should prioritize performance and focus on executing each shot effectively. This proactive mindset fosters a positive frame of mind and enhances performance.Staying FocusedIn the heat of battle, negative thoughts can cloud judgment. To combat this, players should adopt a "shark-like" mentality, concentrating solely on tracking the ball, moving to the correct position, and executing the stroke. This keeps them present and focused on each point.Slowing Down the PaceWhen mental spirals occur, players tend to rush. This leads to impulsive shots and poor decision-making. To regain control, players should slow down the pace, take deep breaths, and adhere to their pre-serve and return routines. Changeovers provide valuable opportunities to reset and regain composure.Positive Self-TalkExpressing emotions during a close match is natural, but it's crucial to prevent them from escalating into self-sabotage. Positive self-talk can help players maintain a positive outlook. Instead of dwelling on missed shots, they should focus on the next opportunity.Simulating PressureMental strength is a learned skill. While it's challenging to replicate match anxiety in practice, creating scenarios that have hindered players in the past can provide valuable experience. By practicing under pressure, players can develop solutions and enhance their mental composure.

Andrey Rublev, the top seed at the Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag, is determined to turn his season around after a string of disappointing results. The Russian has been working on "fixing his head" with the help of former world No. 1 Marat Safin.Rublev revealed that he had a "big talk" with Safin after his shock first-round defeat at Wimbledon. The two-time Grand Slam champion helped Rublev understand the importance of mental toughness and emotional control."It's gonna sound funny, but it's all thanks to Marat Safin," Rublev said. "He helped me... Big special thanks to him."Rublev believes that his struggles have been primarily mental rather than technical. He is confident that he can overcome his current slump and achieve success."Now, after Wimbledon, everything is in order now, thank God, so there will be a breakthrough soon," he said. "I'm confident now that everything will be alright."Rublev's journey has some similarities to Safin's. Both players left Moscow to train in Spain, and both have been known for their fiery temperaments. However, Safin was able to harness his emotions and achieve Grand Slam glory.Rublev is still seeking his first major title, but he is hopeful that he can learn from Safin's experience. The Russian is currently sitting out the Olympic Games and has few ranking points to defend until the US Open.Rublev will face Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the second round of the Croatia Open Umag. He is the top seed and the 2017 champion.

Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber, both former world No. 1s and multiple Grand Slam champions, are navigating the early stages of their comebacks after taking time off to have children. Despite their past successes, both players have struggled with consistency and mental fortitude in recent times.At the recent Indian Wells tournament, Osaka and Kerber faced adversity in their opening matches. Osaka double-faulted three times in a row and lost a break early against Sara Errani, while Kerber blew a 5-3 lead and lost the first set to Jelena Ostapenko.However, both players showed encouraging signs of resilience and mental toughness. Kerber, known for her tendency to let negativity affect her game, used her frustration to fuel her performance against Ostapenko. She became more aggressive and tactical, fighting fire with fire and ultimately securing the victory.Osaka, whose belief can fluctuate dramatically, dug deep against Errani. Despite the Italian's ability to force her into long rallies, Osaka remained focused and earned her points. She has also been inspired by the fighting spirit of fellow tour mom Victoria Azarenka.Both Osaka and Kerber acknowledge the challenges of regaining their former form. Osaka is a perfectionist who struggles when results don't come quickly, while Kerber has a history of letting negativity creep into her game. However, they are determined to overcome these obstacles and reach their full potential once again.Their comebacks are not without their setbacks, but their performances at Indian Wells suggest that they are on the right track. They have the motivation, the talent, and the experience to succeed. As they continue to navigate the ups and downs of their journeys, Osaka and Kerber will undoubtedly face more challenges. But if they can maintain their positive mindset and unwavering determination, they have the potential to achieve great things once again.