Tip #6
This is actually a summary of the above mentioned tips: First deal with the tennis game and conditions on a given day. Second, start thinking and dealing with your opponent's game. This is my primary tennis playing tip whenever I start the match.
Tip #7
Now you are trying to figure out how to outplay your opponent. Ask yourself, "Where are his weaknesses and where are his strengths?" Look to exploit his weaknesses with your strengths and try to avoid your weakness against his strengths.
It sounds logical, but in my experience I don't see many players actually thinking logically on the court. They are usually too emotional.
Tip #8
After you define your opponent's weaknesses, you must first check with yourself whether your level of play realistically allows you to play certain shots. If you your opponent moves very slowly towards the net, is your drop shot reliable enough to use it?
Don't change your game too much or into areas that you don't master. Adapt your game so it is very difficult for your opponent, but stay in your limits.
Tip #9
If you utilized the above-mentioned tips, hopefully you are now ahead in the match. Defending the lead is one of the biggest traps in the game. You'll start thinking, "I don't want to lose this lead now."
Since our brains do not understand the word no, it hears, "I want to lose this lead now." And it will help you do it.
Does this sound familiar? You need to affirmatively think what you want to happen next: "I want to finish the set." Or "I want to extend the lead."
Tip #10
You are now at match point having played masterfully through the whole match. There are many mind traps here. See if you fall into one of them:
- If I miss this opportunity, I won't get another one
- If I win this, it won't be fair. My opponent is actually a better player.
- I don't want to make a double fault now.
- This is it (and you make an historic event in your mind about one point in a tennis game).
Then go shake the hand of your opponent.