Talking.Ws

To come back from 2 sets and a break down in the third set was in some peoples eyes bordering on Superman like proportions and when at the end of the match Murray rolled up his sleeve to display his biceps in an incredible Hulk like bodybuilder pose we all wondered whether the British number 1 really had a shot at the Wimbledon title.

That's a challenge every tennis player faces! Choking is usually more mental than physical, and the key is shifting focus from the result to the process.

Here are a few ways to prevent performance anxiety from derailing your match:

Focus on the Routine: Don't think about the score (especially on match point). Instead, focus entirely on your established pre-point routine (e.g., bouncing the ball a specific number of times, deep breath, visual cue). This anchors you in the present moment.

Simplify Your Strategy: When you feel the pressure rising, don't try for a spectacular winner. Fall back on your most reliable shots (e.g., aim for the center of the service box, or hit cross-court). Play conservative and consistent tennis.

Use Active Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts ("Don't double fault!") with positive, instructional commands ("Hit the serve deep," "Watch the ball").

Control the Pace: Slow the match down between points. Take extra time to toweling off or walking to the back fence. This breaks the opponent's momentum and helps lower your heart rate.

Ultimately, it comes down to accepting that mistakes happen, and the next point is a new opportunity. Good luck on the court!

Staying calm during a tennis match is all about mindset and preparation. I’ve found that focusing on each point rather than the score helps reduce pressure. Deep breathing between serves keeps me grounded, and having a simple routine—like bouncing the ball a set number of times—builds consistency. I also remind myself that mistakes happen to everyone, even pros. The key is to reset quickly, stay positive, and trust the practice you’ve put in. Confidence grows with experience and composure.