Russian tennis player Anastasia Zakharova, currently ranked 81st in the world, has offered a glimpse into her mental preparation for matches. In an exclusive interview, she detailed the specific mindset she adopts before stepping onto the court.
Zakharova explained that during a match, there is very little time for coaching interactions. The main opportunity for communication with her team is during the brief changeovers between sets, where she can receive some support or tactical advice. However, she noted that these moments are too short for extensive discussion.
Her primary focus is on the period immediately before the match begins. When leaving the locker room and walking towards the court, Zakharova employs a strict mental routine. She makes a conscious effort to avoid looking at other people or her surroundings, keeping her gaze fixed straight ahead.
During this walk, she engages in self-talk, reminding herself of the task at hand. Her internal mantra centers on the need to work hard and execute the game plan she has developed through her training. She tells herself that she must perform everything she has practiced.
Zakharova confirmed that this approach of intense focus and self-encouragement is generally effective for her. It helps her enter the right competitive frame of mind. However, she candidly admitted that this particular strategy did not yield the desired result in her most recent match.
The context for her comments was her second-round exit at the WTA-1000 tournament in Rome, Italy. Zakharova was defeated by Czech player Linda Noskova with a score of 4:6, 1:6, preventing her from advancing to the third round of the prestigious event.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.