As much as a big serve and killer forehand can pay dividends in a big match, there's no substitute for strong mental focus and confidence. Prepare mentally in advance of competition and you'll have a better chance of getting the most out of your game when the pressure is on.
Routines and Rituals
The nerves that typically accompany the moments before a match and the beginning of the match are to be expected. The key is to keep nerves from turning into fear or anxiety, according to Anca Dumitrescu of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. Using familiar routines and rituals helps keep nerves in check. Develop a warm-up routine you like and stick with it. Spend time between points, games and sets using a comforting breathing exercise, toweling off your grip or straightening your strings -- anything that breeds familiarity.
Visualization
Visualizing the kinds of shots and technique you hope to bring into the match provides a positive model, filling the void that tends to exist if you don't give your brain something on which to focus. As Dumitrescu points out, this approach can and should be continued into the match to help you through poor weather, unexpected distractions or an opponent who comes out firing on all cylinders.
Know Your Opponent
A key to thorough preparation is to make a mental checklist of the things to expect from an opponent, including her strengths and weaknesses, as noted by Tomaz Mencinger on the Bill Clark Tennis Academy website. Prior experience with the player you're set to face is certainly ideal, but even if you've never laid eyes on your opponent, you can make quick assessment during the pre-match warm up. Continue updating this inventory of information as the match begins -- you never know when a new trend will appear.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Rarely does a match unfold exactly as you expect. Even if things are going very well, momentum can switch quickly and the complexion of the match with it. Make a commitment to keep your head through these kinds of changes, bad calls and an opponent's gamesmanship. When you lose focus in the face of an unexpected turn of events, you give points away and turn over control of your mental state.
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