In the world of tennis, nerves can be a player's worst enemy, especially when the stakes are high and milestones are within reach. This year's French Open has been a testament to the mental battle that athletes face, with an unexpected twist of nerves and anxiety taking center stage.
The story of Flavio Cobolli, the Italian quarterfinalist, serves as a perfect example. Leading his opponent 6-2, 6-3, 6-7(3), 5-2, Cobolli's body suddenly betrayed him, and his thoughts began to wander. He described it as a problem with his character, a tendency to overthink when the match was almost won.
This phenomenon is not unique to Cobolli; many tennis players experience a range of physical and mental symptoms when nerves kick in. From shaking hands to heavy limbs, these responses can significantly impact their performance on the court. The pressure is palpable at this year's French Open, where the absence of top seeds has created an open and unpredictable tournament.
What makes this year's edition particularly fascinating is the dynamic between underdogs and top dogs. Lower-ranked players, like Maja Chwalińska, find themselves in unfamiliar territory, facing less formidable opponents but carrying the weight of expectation. This shift in status can be a double-edged sword, as the voices inside their heads become louder, adding to the mental challenge.
From a physiological perspective, nerves trigger a complex response in the body. Sports psychologist Sarah Murray explains that our brains detect threats, and our bodies respond as if we were facing a woolly mammoth thousands of years ago. This ancient fight-or-flight response is still very much alive in modern athletes.
The scoring system in tennis, with its lack of a clock, adds an extra layer of complexity. Players must constantly adapt to being behind or ahead, managing their expectations and the psychological pressure that comes with it. The underdog, with their handbrake off, often performs better due to a clearer mindset, free from the 'thinking traps' that plague favorites.
The impact of nerves extends beyond the mind. The sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the fight-or-flight response, releases hormones and prepares the body for movement. This leads to increased muscle activation, which can result in tension, tremors, and a feeling of heaviness. The stress response also affects the digestive system, causing nausea and discomfort.
The gut-brain axis further complicates matters, creating a vicious cycle where the mind and body influence each other. As Cobolli discovered, this can have unpleasant consequences on the court.
Two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Harri Heliövaara shares a similar experience. He struggled with nerves early in his career but has since found ways to manage them. Heliövaara focuses on his diaphragm, the key muscle for breathing, to regulate his nervous system. The stop-start nature of tennis makes breathing regulation crucial, providing an opportunity to recalibrate and manage intrusive thoughts.
Breathwork coach Hannah Nedas emphasizes the importance of a solid breathing practice for athletes. By building this skill away from the court, athletes can access it more easily during stressful situations, becoming 'emotional ninjas.' This adaptability is crucial for success in high-pressure environments.
Sports psychologist Sarah Murray helps athletes identify the source of their narratives, often finding that the story comes from within. By recognizing these stories and using mantras or cues, players can let go of imagined outcomes and focus on the present moment. The game of tennis remains the same, but it's the perception of the game that changes.
As the remaining players at the French Open prepare for their tournament-defining matches, they will draw inspiration from Cobolli's mantra: 'It's my first time, and the experience is not high. Sometimes you have to pass this moment to have a better chance to improve in the next one.' A powerful reminder that milestones are within reach, but the journey to get there is often the true test of an athlete's mental fortitude.
