One of the most important bases for playing matches is fitness. Diligence can only be acquired if the physical, mental and nervous systems are in harmony. Consistent and methodical training is essential for the tournament player.
Regular hours of sleep and regular fatty foods at regular times are essential to keep the body running at peak efficiency. Food is especially important. Eat well, but don't overeat, especially right before playing. I believe in a big, hearty breakfast on the day of the big game. This must be taken at nine-thirty. A moderate lunch around one o'clock if playing three. Don't eat heavy foods at lunch as this tends to slow you down on the court. Do not run the risk of having indigestion which is the worst enemy of good eyesight. Rich, heavy food right before retirement is a bad thing because it's likely to get you "stuck" at the ballpark the next day.
Touching an alcoholic beverage of any form while playing in a tournament is guaranteed. Alcohol is a poison that affects the eyes, the mind and the wind are three essential elements in tennis. Tobacco does no harm in moderation, although it also hurts the eyes and the wind. A man facing a long league season should abstain from alcohol or tobacco in any form. Excesses of any kind are detrimental to physical condition and should not be affected.
"Slack" is the biggest enemy of players who play long seasons. It's a case of too much tennis. Stagnation is rarely physical fatigue. The player can always restore his strength by resting. Depression is mental exhaustion due to worrying or too much interest in tennis often, and a lack of variety in thinking. His symptoms are an aversion to the tennis game and environment, and a lack of interest in the game when he is on the court. I advocate stopping training at such a time. Go to the theater or a concert and completely change your tennis mind. Eliminate your tennis anxiety while you play it and forget about the discomfort of playing poorly once you're off the court. You always have an outside interest you can turn to for relaxation during a tournament; But never let it interfere with your tennis when you should be determined to play. It's hard to find a good balance, but once achieved it's a great help for the tournament player.
The training rules must be scrupulously followed before and after the match. Don't cool down before the game, because it makes you stiff and slow. Above all, do not go without a scarf after a match when you are hot or have a cold.
Many players have had rheumatism from wasting time at the end of a game instead of taking a shower while still warm. This slight stiffness the next day could mean defeat. A severe cold could mean a serious illness. Don't take any risks.
Change your wet clothes to dry clothes between games if you play twice a day. It will make you feel better and also avoid the risk of catching a cold.
Tournament players must sacrifice certain pleasures to succeed. Practice will win a man many games if he sticks to it. Interval training is pointless and should never be attempted.
A condition in which the player is able to establish his mental point of view and help him become accustomed to the external conditions of the game.
All match players should know a bit about the phenomenon of crowd psychology because, as in the case of the Church-Murray match I hosted a while ago, the crowd can play a big role in the outcome.
It's rare to have a mob on you. He always pushes to win her sympathy. I don't want to play fair, because that would have the opposite effect of what is necessary.
Exposure is always for the weaker player. It's about helping the "little dog". If you're a consistent winner, you'll need to get used to having an exhibition bias for your opponent. It's not your personal hatred. It's just a natural reaction in favor of the loser. Sometimes making the wrong decision with a theater wins sympathy from the audience. The galleries are just in their desires, although sometimes their feelings run away with them.
Besides the effect on the fair, I would like to mention here that when you are the favorite in a decision that you know is wrong, try to even it out if possible by carelessly losing the next point. Don't hit the ball over the back station or into the back of the net with a playful tune like "There you go." Just hit a bit or into the net, and go about your business as usual. Your opponent always knows when you do him that justice and appreciates it, even though he doesn't expect it. Never do it for the effect, it's in very bad taste. Only do it when your sense of justice tells you you should.
The crowd objects, and rightly so, to show the true mood on the pitch. A player who loses his mind must expect a bad reception from the fair. The player's questionable decisions put him in a bad light with the crowd and cannot change the point. You may know the call was fake, but smile at him and the crowd will join you. These things are the essence of good sportsmanship, and good sportsmanship will win any exposure. The world's least attractive player will earn the respect and admiration of the public by showing true sportsmanship at test time.
Any player who truly enjoys the match for the sake of the game will always be a great athlete, because there's no fun in a match that doesn't give your opponent their due. The player who plays for the fun of the game wins the crowd the first time he steps onto the court. Everyone in the world loves an optimist.