Sometimes the first set is not always the deciding factor on whether you’ll be able to win or lose a match. Don’t get me wrong, getting out the gate fast and with a great start can heftily improve your chances at getting the victory.

But it’s definitely not the be all and end all if you drop the first set. We saw a tremendous example of that in a historic performance by 17 year old “Little Miss Upset” – Melanie Oudin against 13th seed Nadia Petrova.

I mean, despite being literally dismantled from every angle and losing her first set by a score of 6-1, she didn’t let that take her out of her game or throw her off course.

She didn’t throw in the towel or wave her white flag. She maintained her composure, remained confident and even elevated her killer instinct as if she had been there 20 times before.

“I’m not going to give up, you know, no matter what the score is. I’m down 6 0, 5 0, you know, I’m not going to give up. I’m going to keep fighting,” she said. And fight she did!

It was because of her ability to sustain her mental toughness that enabled to steamroll her way through that 3rd set and take the match – hitting corners with those underrated ground strokes and taking advantage of over 21 unforced errors by her more-seasoned, higher-ranked opponent.

Oudin said, “Today, there were no tears because I believed I can do it. Now I know I do belong here. This is what I want to do. I can compete with these girls no matter who I’m playing. I have a chance against anyone.”

In other words, she believed it was possible. That’s where it all starts. You have to always believe deep down that you’ve always got a chance to win, and that it’s never over until you shake hands.

And hey, you don’t have to take my word for it, the girl making the most noise in the open thus far has got the concept etched into her shoes that are sure to be selling out like hotcakes by tomorrow . You can bet on that.

Now yea, I know it’s somewhat natural to feel a little bummed after losing a game or a set (…especially after you’ve just given your 113%) and feel like giving up or even a lot bummed.  But you can’t  dwell on that if you want to win.

Instead, take a few breaths, shrug it off, and get ready for round two.  Don’t get down on yourself if you lose a couple points here or there or if your opponent takes a set. Unless that was match point, believe me, things will balance out, and you’ll have a chance to get back in it and even get the victory.

On the other hand, if you do allow, the sports most deadly killers, doubt and and fear of failure to take control, you’ve just given up. And you’ve got no shot.  And I can assure you that if Miss Melanie did that same thing, she wouldn’t be on her way to the next round.

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So, next time you find yourself down in a match, take the mindset of this year’s Cinderella and KEEP FIGHTING! The two biggest things you can do to help your cause in these situations is to think positively, and use that heart of yours… leaving it all out there on the court. You’ve got to push through some hard times to experience the great ones. That’s the only way you’re going to see true success.

If you don’t and quit early, you could be missing out on some really powerful things, like your first major title… the last critical game needed for your team to win it all, or good old fashion bragging rights that you can hold over your best friend’s head forever ::wink::. Don’t let that be you.

Can’t wait for tomorrow’s matches…

Brian, Your Tennis Mind Coach
TennisMindCamp