One thing about tournaments that you should know by now – keep expectations low – no one ever plays their best all the time and especially in these tight situations. The players that generally do best are the ones who can be flexible and go with the flow on the day and do what is needed on the court within the high percentage barometer and can deal with the pressure that inevitably comes everyone’s way.
A good partner is someone that you like, can communicate with, is reliable and has your back in case you need support. Partnerships that tend to compliment each other can vary – I would not say there is a one fit here but usually there is a leader who is decisive, experienced, analytical, focused and verbally positive but that player need not always be the most consistent.
Know what your weapons are. Know what your weaknesses are and figure out how you and your partner would like to compete. I have seen partnerships stay on baseline and win and one up one back and win and two up and win. It really is about – can your team do what is necessary in each individual match and still be smiling at the end of the day?
Here is where I want to give Kudos to all 24 players at the October 26th tournament. Fair play, smiles and respect all around. I was very pleased to see everyone make the most of each moment. My response to some players from that tournament was I would like to see less “pushing” the ball. The time to hit slower is off a hard ball. It is a courageous player that can generate enough pace from a slower ball without missing on either their volley or their groundshot and not give in to the “just get it in” scenario.
Please share this email with your friends and don’t hang around for your friends to respond. Be brave and expect a few rejections – but ask as many of your friends as you can and accept the first player who responds – she is the keenest!! I am here to help set up anyone who enters needing a partner.
Yours in Tennis,
Anne