How to win at tennis: beat a lower-ranked opponent

One of the biggest psychological challenges in a match against a lower-ranked opponent is the pressure you feel to win. This pressure can lead you to make unnecessary mistakes. Here are a few tips on how to stay calm and focused:

• Stay focused on the moment: Don’t think about the end result from the outset. Concentrate point by point, game by game.
• Use breathing techniques: Deep breathing can help you stay relaxed and avoid stress.
• Don’t focus on the ranking: Even if your opponent is lower ranked, he may have special skills that will surprise you.

These pressure management techniques are regularly taught as part of the tennis courses at the Mouratoglou Academy, where players learn how to prepare mentally for each match.

Underestimating an opponent is one of the most common pitfalls. Here are a few tips to help you avoid this mistake:

• Respect your opponent: Every player has strengths and weaknesses. You can’t know every detail of his game from the outset.
• Keep the same intensity: Don’t lower your level of play thinking that’s enough to win. Slacking off can allow your opponent to gain confidence.

In the Mouratoglou Academy‘s tennis studies programme, players learn to analyse their opponents and maintain a constant intensity, regardless of their position in the rankings.

Right from the start of the match, you need to concentrate on a solid strategy:

• Don’t be too aggressive from the start: Many players try to finish points too quickly, which leads to unforced errors. Instead, try to build your points methodically.
• Vary your shots: Use slices, lobs and changes of pace to surprise your opponent and throw him off balance.

To win at tennis, it’s essential to spot your opponent’s weak points early on:

• Test your opponent’s backhand: Many amateur players have a less solid backhand than their forehand. Exploit this weakness by sending balls towards your opponent’s backhand.
• Use the net: Less experienced opponents are often less comfortable at the net. You can test them with drop shots and follow them up at the net to finish the point.

A good strategy evolves over time. Depending on the situation, you may need to adjust your game plan:

• If your opponent starts to improve: Be prepared to step up your game. Increase the pace and impose your style to prevent him from gaining the upper hand.
• Remain patient: Don’t force your shots, thinking you have to dominate every point. Some long exchanges can tire you out, but they will exhaust a less physically prepared opponent even more.

In every match, there are critical points, such as break points or set points, which can change the course of the match:

• Prepare yourself mentally for the decisive points: Practise remaining calm at these crucial moments. It can make the difference between winning and losing.
• Take calculated risks: On a break point, it can be a good idea to play more aggressively to throw your opponent off balance. But don’t take any ill-considered risks.

Lower-ranked opponents can sometimes play without pressure and start taking risks. Stay alert:

• Don’t play into their hands: If your opponent is playing more boldly, don’t be tempted to follow them into risky play. Keep playing with discipline and patience
• Keep a positive frame of mind: If your opponent wins a few games, don’t get discouraged. It’s a long match, and with the right mental management you can turn things around.

A good level of fitness can give you a decisive advantage against a lower-ranked opponent, especially if they are unable to keep up an intense pace throughout the match:

• Work on your stamina: Make sure you can maintain a high level of performance throughout the match.
• Be ready for long rallies: If you know that your opponent tends to run out of steam quickly, force him to play longer points to tire him out.

Speed and agility are essential if you are to surprise a less mobile opponent:

• Work on changes of direction: Good footwork will allow you to cover ground more quickly and neutralise your opponent’s attacks.
• Be responsive to difficult balls: Don’t let yourself be surprised by unexpected balls. Keep your stance low and ready for every shot.