Do you dream abound about being the next “big thing”? Do you dream of playing in top tournaments and moving up in the rankings?
Unfortunately, many players never get to the next level leaving them frustrated, dejected, demoralized, disenchanted and often quit the sport at an early age.
Why do some players flourish in the sport while many others flounder?
3 Major Reasons Tennis players Do Not Reach the Next Level:
- Failure to use losses as learning experiences,
- Inability to handle adversity (slumps, playing tougher competition, not getting as much recognition, not being the top dog).
- Not willing push consistently in practice.
Climbing the ladder has more to do with mindset than ability.
18 year old Taylor Fritz, a promising young professional, made it to the final in just his third ATP event at the Memphis Open in 2016. Fritz’s appearance in the final is an amazing feat considering it took Novak Djokovic 24 tournaments and Roger Federer 21 events before they made their first finals.
Fritz was ranked No 1 as a junior and named the 2015 ITF Junior World Champion. Fritz has steadily climbed the ATP rankings, ranked No 937 a year ago, 145th at the start of the Memphis Open and 102nd after his appearance in the final. Today, the 18 yr. old Fritz holds an ATP world ranking of 69.
How has Fritz been able to raise his level of play?
Obviously Fritz has the talent and powerful strokes, but his competitive mindset has been his greatest weapon. Fritz knows if he focuses on further developing his game and ignoring outside distractions that the results will come.
FRITZ: “I always say this [finals] is reassuring to know that I’m doing the right thing and I’m on the right track. But got to just keep doing my own thing and not let all the milestones get in your head or anything like that… I always say, I do this for myself; I want to improve for myself. The only person I feel I can let down is myself. “
You may have relied on your natural ability in the past but you need to grow in your mental game if you want to successfully climb the ranks in tennis.
As the competition becomes tougher, you will also need to become mentally tougher.
By adopting a mindset like Fritz, you can successfully face the challenges at the next level:
Tardio Tips: Mentally Tough Mindset for Reaching the Next Level
- Where do I want to go? Identify your ultimate goal, then some sub-goals. Where do I want to be 3 months from now? 6 months? One year? How will I handle obstacles that get in the way?
- How will I get there? Decide the physical, mental and technical skills changes you need to make in your game..
- Are you truly willing to make the needed sacrifices? Be honest with yourself. If you commit more to the development of your game, you may need to give up some other things like some social time, down time on weekends, etc.
Want to learn more about Achieving your Goals: Do you Have a A Gold Medal Goal Plan?
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Top your game: Contact Coach Amy for a Free 15-Minute Mental Coaching Session
Amy provides proven, mental toughness techniques needed to achieve the mindset for success in competitive sports. Learn the right way to set goals and perform with focus, high confidence and trust in your game. 