02.13.16: Tournament Review

I lost 1–6, 2–6. But that’s not the story.

Far from it.

This was my first tourny back in over 4 months, and my nerves were acting out in full force. Very expected.

Analysis

Backhands

I have a good backhand. More than good — but for whatever reason under pressure in a tournament I do two things: 1. I slice far too much 2. I don’t put my weight in it / turn my chest to the side to drive through the slice, which results in a short ball drawing my opponent to the net. Not the best.

However on the upside: when I did commit to the right footwork and balance, I hit some great backhands, including a few winners down the line.

For next time: trust my backhand.

Serves

This was an issue all game, starting in the warm-up. I’m right at the beginning of relearning my second serve, and my first serve was just…cold. I made maybe 10–15%. Ouch.

The upside: I started feeling out what a second serve kicker should feel like, and didn’t double fault the second half of the 1st set, and zero double faults the second set. That’s a pretty big win considering the massive changes I’m making.

Solution: practice more serves, hit my spots. Watch the ball. Breathe. Continue honing a ritual that works for me.

Forehands

This area was very mixed. I hit some great forehands, followed up by some truly terrible ones where I pressed, resulting in a fast swing, lots of spin…and a short ball ready to be spanked. Keeping my balance will be a main target for me.

The upside: I hit some absolutely fantastic forehands, where it just felt on.

Solution: practice a balanced, smooth stroke. Exhale as I hit. Small movements / adjustments as I approach the ball.

Return of Serve

This area I felt really shined through today. I found a mix of pre-serve rituals that really clicked for me — part Murray stepping forward, part Roanic leg hop pre-serve. This snapped my mind into watching the ball and tuning out extraneous noise. I actually felt far more focused returning than serving.

Once I found this rhythm, I was missing far fewer returns, and actually turning his second serve into a liability with a strong forehand return.

To improve: if he hit my backhand side, I would often revert to a slice or chop. I want to work on a Murray-esque block on the backhand, and continue taking the ball early.

When being aggressive on my forehand, I can pick better targets (or at least vary the return from just deep center — which was EVERY return). Very comfortable and consistent vs his 2nd though.

Rallies

This was the first match where I felt the rallies started to stretch out, and I had time to actually think while in the middle of the point. Very interesting. I seemed to start out the points strong, but then tighten up as it went — trying for too much, too early, and my stroke became unbalanced.

The upside: I’m starting to adapt my patience on points.

To improve: hit solid rally balls until a short(er) ball comes my way — then attack. Make this my gameplan, and BE PATIENT.

Approach Shots

Many mistakes were made here, mainly because I recognized a big opportunity, and my balance was forfeited for a swing from my arm — not my legs. I have a fantastic approach — but I need to work on keeping my cool when I get the chance to use it!

Mental Game

Perhaps one of the strongest mental games I’ve played — I was able to assess strategy between games, even between points, of what’s working, what’s not, and where I should be shifting my game to. I felt very fluid — even if it didn’t always translate in the point itself.

“Forms good, feels good, breathing like a winner should,” was a great mantra to remind me to get back to basics when tight.

Overall Health

Another great piece of news: nothing hurt during the game. With enough stretching and warm-up, my shoulder and back felt good serving, and my foot held up great even through a few hustles and slides.

My fitness is not quite where I’d like, but it was certainly levels above my opponent, which worked in my favor. Keep up the good work self!