Commentators often cite “having a strong mental game” as a quality which separates the very successful from the somewhat successful players in professional tennis. I would agree. And I would extend this to include competitive USTA players at or above the 3.5 level. The difficulty is that it is impossible to see inside a player’s mind. …
A Simulated Inner Game “Game Plan” Tim Gallwey’s Inner Game of Tennis is in the midst of resurgence as the rights have been sold to a group interested in reviving his ideas. This is a highly worthwhile project. The Inner Game is perhaps best known for its bounce-hit mechanism for focusing and quieting the mind. The concept is that the …
It was set to be a clash of titans: a 20-yearold World #1 against World #2 and GOAT, Novak Djokovic, now 37. They had played twice before. The first time in Madrid in 2022. Alcaraz won 6-7, 7-5, 7-6. The second time was this year in the semifinals of Roland Garros. Djokovic won 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1. What happened?
In the most highly anticipated match of the 2023 pro season, Carlos Alcaraz met Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. After a close 2 sets, Alcaraz was severely limited by cramps and limped his way to the finish line. We talk about why.