Playing Smart, Winning Smart
By Leo Canaparo. Tennis Coach from Argentina
If there’s one lesson that separates good tennis from great tennis, it’s consistency—not just in strokes, but in decision-making, movement, and mindset.
Watch the best in the world, and you’ll see it clearly. Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest champions of our sport, doesn’t just win with power or flash. He wins with precision, control, and intelligence. Every shot, every recovery step, every tactical choice is part of a well-constructed plan to outlast, outthink, and outplay his opponent.
Here’s what I want you to focus on:
1. Move with Purpose
Djokovic is a master of movement. Not only is he incredibly quick, but every step he takes is efficient and balanced. He gets into position early, keeps a wide base, and recovers immediately. This allows him to stay in rallies longer and turn defense into offense.
Don’t just run—move with intent. Stay low, recover quickly, and always anticipate the next shot.
2. Minimize Unforced Errors
Consistency doesn’t mean just keeping the ball in play—it means knowing when to go for more and when to play high-percentage tennis. Djokovic rarely gives away free points. He makes his opponent earn every single one.
Avoid going for risky winners unless the opportunity is clear. Build the point. Trust your rally tolerance.
3. Play the Situation
Tennis is not just about hitting a ball—it’s about reading the moment. Djokovic adapts better than anyone. Whether it’s adjusting to weather, surface, or an opponent’s momentum, he always finds a way to use the situation in his favor.
Stay present. Be aware of your opponent’s patterns, your own energy, and the match context. Use time wisely between points. Change tactics when needed.
4. Patience is Power
We often think that aggression wins matches. But controlled patience—waiting for the right ball, working the angles, constructing points—is what wins championships.
Learn to love the grind. A long rally is not a burden—it’s a battleground where your patience breaks the other player’s will.
You don’t need to be Djokovic to play like Djokovic. You just need to respect the fundamentals, train with focus, and compete with clarity.