Whilst I write this Andy Murray is mid-competition in the semi-final of the Australian open. He is one set down and on serve in the second. He may yet go on to win, and indeed win the tournament, so good luck. He may also lose. Its obvious at this stage that he has the chance to do either.
But, My concern is his demeanour. He seems able to beat up the early round opponents quite easily, with good placement, and talented play, but at the very highest level, in most sports, talent is not enough, its what happens in the brain. And I don't think his demeanour helps Andy Murray.
Rafa Nadal, looks powerful. He looks totally in control of himself, and at all times, he looks like a tiger about to pounce. Power, Aggression, Belief. On the other side of the net, it must be intimidating.
Roger Federer is cool. totally in control. I have been there and done it all. I know how to win. Supreme confidence, on the back of genuinely having done it all. Confident, classy and Cool. Again, intimidation form the other side of the net.
Andy Murray is a troubled teenager. He has an aura not of confidence, but stroppiness. He projects the arrogance, yet insecurity of a 17 year old. On the other side of the net, there is not the total intimidation from Nadal or Federer, but a feeling that if get to him, just a little, his mind will go to pieces. That must be encouragement for the opposition. In the early rounds, he is too good, and they can get to him. In the later rounds, they can stay with him for a while, and it does bother him, he allows the teenage angst to come out, and then he is lost. Not based on talent but attitude.
To really go on to the next level, to be as good as Nadal or Federer he needs a new Aura, one based on his talent, and confidence.
About the Author: Connected is a Tennis Coach, and a tennis player, and is involved in the retailing of Slazenger Tennis Balls and Table Tennis Balls.
So Murray wins, but the point is still true I think. with more composure and assurance in his attitude he can stop allowing oppenents to think they can get under his skin.
ReplyDeleteWell he did lose the final and his demeanor didn't improve from the first set. A great player but, as you say, he needs to intimidate the opposition with his mind, aswell as his undoubted talent.
ReplyDeleteToo many British players in all sports, lay down too quickly. However, if they do have strength of mind, the press label them as arrogant.
We have two great cricket players in my u15's squad but, they will fail to become GREAT unless they can change their mental approach. If one thing doesn't go to plan the head drops and they mentally beat themselves up, thus giving the opposition an easy target.