Art of the Start

A warmup is like trying to get a party started – you want to hit the ground running, but sometimes it takes a few songs to really get into the groove. That’s exactly how Rafael Nadal, with his unmatched energy and focus, gears up for his matches. He pumps up with a dynamic warm-up routine on court, making sure his heart is racing and ready to dive into the action from the get-go.

No Butterflies

Think of the warm-up as a prematch party – some dynamic stretches, agility drills, and some games. Embrace some zen vibes and use some 4-7-8 breathing to calm your mind down. Find a routine that says, “I’ve got this” rather than “Don’t screw up” before you even step on court. In my case, I tried to spend a little time in the locker room on my own. Other players use music.

Map out a Plan

Map out a basic game plan that plays to your particular strengths. Remember, it’s okay to tweak things as you go, but having a strategy from the start gives you a clear path to get the dance going.
Get comfy playing in all sorts of conditions and against a variety of playing styles. Use your warm-up and those initial exchanges to pick up on any tidbits that might help you adapt your strategy on the fly.

Be Like Water

Getting better at starting matches isn’t just about hitting balls; it’s about preparing your body, calming your mind, strategizing, and being ready to adapt.
And remember, tennis isn’t just a game of skills – it’s a dance of the mind and body. So, make every point count, right from the very first one!