What Does it Mean to be Fearless?
While catching up on some tennis news, a newcomer, only 18, broke into the top 100. I happened to have watched a few of his junior matches online and thought he was solid — but did NOT expect him to rocket from 694 to 81 in a matter of months.
I did NOT expect his ranking to rocket from 694th to 81st in a few months.
So what changed?
Reading between the lines in this well-written article from ATPWorldTour, I found a few key distinctions.
1. Losing
We all fear losing — but losing in a big, public way really sucks. But what was different is he expected to win, or at least not be beaten in the first Grand Slam qualifying match (Australia) in 60 minutes exactly. When that happened, he doubled down.
2. Faith
This is the big one. It also forced me to take a look at myself in the mirror and ask some hard questions about my mental game on the court — and realized that I believe I’m good at trying really hard and learning.
That’s different from believing I have what it takes to win.
Don’t get me wrong, I HATE losing. Ask anyone I grew up with — but as I’ve matured I’ve accepted losing as a way of learning. But now on second thought, I believe I’ve tempered that too much.
3. Self-Recognition
Fritz is confident he knows what he’s good at. Me on the other hand: I feel like half the time I’m not sure what type of player I am. But when you commit to an idea of who you are, and how you play — it becomes that much easier to visualize and internalize how you’ll react in a match.
Fritz casually mentioned one other thing:
I know a lot of people who were incredible practice players. The second they got to the match they just couldn’t perform in those situations. For me, the reason I play tennis is to compete like that. Someone might be nervous in those situations, but I’m excited for those opportunities. Those moments when there’s a big break point, I enjoy that.”
This sums up both my biggest fear and challenge: don’t just practice to practice, or to be a student.
Practice to win.
