Now it’s time to switch off, stretch, watch a film and maybe get a massage.
Generally our matches are in the evening so there’s no rush to get up in the mornings. If I’m playing at 9pm I may get up at midday, practise at 2pm and relax. First I have a light breakfast and wait for my practice. I always practice on the court I’ll be playing on even if it means practising at strange times.
After practice I stretch, shower, eat (lots of pasta and water), relax and switch off. Sometimes I might have a nap.
Then I start thinking about the match, making sure I’m alert, aware, sprightly, heightened, but not tense. Mental preparation is crucial.
At the venue I sometimes watch the match before I’m on. Then I warm-up, stretch and do some explosive bounding so that I’m ready to play at full pace. I also do shadow work with the racket and practice turning and jumping.
On court in the knock-up I try to stay comfortable, hit the ball well, see it well and feel lighht on my feet. I give myself reminders by saying ‘On your toes’, ‘Keep away from the ball’, ‘Be aware’, ‘Focus on the ball’. Sometimes I try out different shots and angles to test my opponent a bit.
Then I’m ready to go!
