With the National League ended and a poor ITF season reaching its end, I’m reminded of just how critical a strong mindset is when the stakes are highest. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just someone looking to improve your mental toughness in life, what I’m about to share will challenge the way you think about competition and success.

The Fears That Are Holding You Back

Before you can master your mindset, you need to confront the fears that are silently sabotaging your performance. These fears are real, and they affect even the best players. But here’s the thing: most players don’t even realise how deeply these fears are ingrained in their game.

Fear of Losing

Let’s start with the most obvious one—fear of losing. This fear is so pervasive that it often leads players to tighten up and play cautiously, even when they know that this is not how they practice or perform at their best. They cling to the hope that their opponent will make a mistake, but let’s be real—that’s not how champions are made. If you’re playing to avoid losing rather than to win, you’re already setting yourself up for failure.

Fear of the Opponent’s Strengths

Another common fear is the obsession with how good the opponent is. Players spend so much time worrying about their opponent’s strengths that they forget to focus on their own game. This is a classic mindset trap. Instead of being consumed by what the other side of the net can do, you should be asking yourself: Are you giving your opponent something to worry about?

Fear of What Others Think

And then there’s the fear of what others think. How often have you seen a player freeze up on a big stage, not because of the opponent, but because they’re paralysed by the fear of judgment? Whether it’s the crowd, coaches, or even family, this fear can choke the life out of your game.

The Reality of a Tennis Mindset

Here’s the controversial truth: Mental toughness isn’t about eliminating nerves or fear. It’s about accepting that these things will happen—yes, even to the pros—and having the strength to use your mental tools and routines to manage them. Inexperienced players often think they’ll remember to use these tools after the match or feel paralysed when the pressure is on. The reality? Your mental tools rarely work like magic; they require consistent practice and application.

Mental strength is about sticking to your process, no matter how long it takes for your mind to calm down and focus. It’s about having the courage to keep searching for that light switch in the dark, even when fear tries to freeze you in place.

Overcoming Mental Fatigue

Mental fatigue is another enemy. It can set in when you stress and overthink for days or nights before a match, leaving you drained before you even step on the court - it doesn't have to be about tennis, it could be mental fatigue caused by work, financial issues, family issues, etc... You walk out there flat, almost numb to the outcome. The result? You never play to your potential.

Accept the Normal Thoughts

These thoughts are normal, so the first step in building a bulletproof mindset is to accept them. Develop a routine and strategy to tackle whatever your big fears or anxieties are. Focus your mind on implementation until you overcome the overthinking and can truly focus. Be aware that this takes years of practice. The best players in the world are the bravest and the most relaxed because they’ve used their tools so often that they trust themselves implicitly to use them when needed.

Prepare Without Considering Loss

Here’s another strategy that might ruffle some feathers: Prepare without considering the possibility of losing. Imagine a boxer going into a world title fight—do you think he’s focused on how to avoid getting knocked out? No, he’s thinking about how he’s going to punish, knock out, and beat his opponent. You can’t consider losing until you’ve actually lost. Until the last point, no matter how slim your chances, you play to convert that slim chance.

Always remember that whether you do things the right way or the wrong way, you will win and lose. So why not train yourself to do the things that will help you in the long run? Focus on your career, not just on one short-term win.

12 Points to Strengthen Your Tennis Mindset

1. Belief: Knowing you can win is all the confidence you need to fight with enthusiasm
2. Detailed preparation: Leave nothing to chance. It's not just talent that wins; it's preparation.
3. Be creative: Find what works for you. Every player must discover their own recipe for success.
4. Be brave: Play the way you know is right for you, no matter the consequences.
5. Find a coach: Work with someone knowledgeable who makes you feel like a winner.
6. No shortcuts: Wining players trust in the work they've put in over many years.
7. Stay hungry: Success requires constant hunger for improvement.
8. Avoid complacency: Winning can create complacency, which is destructive to a winning mindset.
9. Embrace discomfort: Success often lies in pushing through discomfort and fear.
10. Know the conditions: Winning is about producing high-level performances in unfavorable conditions.
11. Change your mindset: Results don’t bring change; a change in mindset brings results.
12. Learn to win: Winning is a skill you can develop—it just takes time and perseverance.

At 10is Academy, we’re dedicated to helping you build a mindset that can handle the pressures of both competition and life. If you’re ready to confront your fears and elevate your game, don’t let your mental game hold you back any longer. Keep an eye on our website for upcoming webinars on mindset—these sessions will give you the tools you need to take your game to the next level. Don’t miss out on the chance to strengthen your mental approach and achieve your full potential. Stay tuned and get ready to transform your game!