How to win *most* tennis matches
Introduction:
Tennis is hard game. Your mind and body need to sync perfectly. You are out there on the court alone (though there is a new change of paradigm recently due to new ATP rules regarding coaching), a single mishit means losing a point where you worked a lot to get some advantage. Fighting your inner demons/self-confidence. And similarly to other mental tasking games like chess if you win you get an ego boost, or if you lose it gets hurt. Which doesn't make sense in my opinion because tennis is just a game, and winning or losing a match shouldn't affect your whole self-worth. It just shows your skills at this particular game.
So here you go some tips to help you win more matches (Note: This post assumes you already have a strong foundation regarding the game's technique and physicality):
Section 1: A game of little margins
In 2016 Andy Murray world's atp ranking No.1 won 55% points of his total points played during the whole year... Let that sink in for a moment. Out of 12814 points he has only won 6987 of them. However that translates to a total of 78 matches won and just losing 9 that is 90% of matches won during that year.
Section 2: Playing well when it matters the most.
Tennis is unique game due to its scoring. Not all points are worth the same. Some points are more valuable than others. Eg. 30-30, 40-30, break points are decisive points that define the outcome of a match. And Murray won most of those in 2016. He played his best in those "clutch" moments.
Section 3: A game of probabilistics
Let's abstract a match. Just a p(0.7) probability of winning *every single* point gives you:
- Roughly 90% probability of winning a game
- More than 99% probability of winning a set
- And also consequently... more than 99% probability of winning the whole match
That is... you are surely winning a match with p(0.7)!!.
Section 4: A game of **Consistency**
This is probably the most important skill you gotta learn if you wanna master tennis, and heck! other areas of life as well.
Consistency is key.
So you may be asking how does one keep the probability of winning *every* single point consistent? Here i summed up some factors.
First of all reduce the probability of unforced errors (simple right?)
- Self-believe (really really important, improves your confidence as well.)
- Do what you ought to do in order to keep the ball inside the court. This one's a bit tricky to explain, however that means moving your legs ,performing technique right,anticipating rival shots, and also little nuances like adapting to the balls that are being used to play, weather, altitude so you can adapt without changing your timing (If you adapt while having to change your technique, timing or swing style that is... YOU MAY LOSE YOUR CONFIDENCE COMPLETELY, be wary of that)
- It is inevitable to fail some shots, however learn from your mistakes, do not get angry at them, keep a positive attitude and body language. Learn from your mistakes so that they most likely won't happen again.
Yes yes! that's how i avoid making plenty unforced errors. Though however how do i get p(0.7) probability of winning a point? We'll see that in the next section.
Section 5: A game of **Domination**
Ever wonder why the likes of Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer absolutely dominate the tour? That's because they don't let their rival get them. they keep on top, always dominating, always a step ahead. You may think you got one of them defeated with a really great groundstroke to their backhand and you approach to the net to finish the point *however* then you see them perform a perfect passing shot. They are always in control of the point.
- Take the Iniative. Dominate your rival. Control the point
- Attack, attack, attack!!!(preferably opponent weaknesses)
- Go to volleys, finish the point early.(However this may change according surface and play conditions, on clay usually the points are longer due to slower surface).
Section 6: Conclusion
Be consistent. Be brave / Be fearless. And play well when it matters the most.