Why You Are Losing to Worse Tennis Players
There's nothing more frustrating than losing to a player who is objectively worse than you. You know that you should win, but for some reason, you just can't seem to get the job done. Why does this happen? Is it because they're playing above their level? Or is it something that you're doing wrong? Let's take a look at some of the possible reasons why this happens.
They're Playing Above Their Level
One possibility is that the other player is simply playing above their level. This can happen for a number of reasons. Maybe they've been practicing a lot recently and have made significant improvements to their game. Or maybe they've just gotten lucky and are on a hot streak. Whatever the reason, if they're playing better than usual, it's going to be tough to beat them.
You're Playing Below Your Level
Of course, it's also possible that you're the one who's playing below your level. This can happen for a number of reasons as well. Maybe you're not feeling 100% physically or mentally. Or maybe you're just having an off day. Whatever the reason, if you're not playing up to your usual standards, you're going to have a tough time winning.
They Have Your Number
Sometimes, there's just one player who seems to have your number. No matter what you do, they always seem to come out on top. It could be that those players have found a way to play to their strengths and exploit your weaknesses. This can be extremely frustrating, but it's just part of tennis. Everyone has that one player who they just can't seem to beat no matter how hard they try.
Losing to players who are objectively worse than you is one of the most frustrating things that can happen in tennis (or any sport). One of the best ways to overcome this challenge is to change your mindset. Instead of thinking of yourself as the superior player, try to view the match as an even contest between two equally matched opponents. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting complacent.
"The Philosophical Tennis Player: Thinking Your Way To Winning" offers a unique perspective on the sport of tennis. This book provides guidance inspired by philosophy to help you rethink the game and reach your peak performance. The author breathes life into abstract philosophical concepts, transforming them into tangible strategies everyone can use to become a successful player. Readers will gain insight into the psychological aspects of tennis and recognise the timeless values that extend beyond the confines of the court.
About The Author
Darren Teo is the founder of Play! Tennis, the most Google reviewed tennis academy in Singapore. His passion for making tennis accessible to everyone regardless of their age, experience and ability continues to drive his work at the school. He is a thought leader in LinkedIn with 14,000 followers.