How Fit Do You Need to be at the Australian Open?
/ 1
by Sweta Lal
Summer is at its peak and rain gods have been playing hide and seek. All this combined with the pressure to perform at the 100th staging of this Australian Grand Slam event can be daunting for some players. Fitness, flexibility, and stamina are no doubt the mantra to perform and show off what the best one has.
The question under review is how fit does one need to be for a game of such caliber and international repute. Of course the personal trainers, coaches and mentors do a great deal to make sure everything is in shape. Trainers support and guide their players through the most personalized training that could help them achieve their best in any event, under any circumstance. A player obviously needs an unbreakable determination and a hawk’s concentration to make the best out of their training and regular practice.
In spite of these critical factors, there is a major challenge which the players face when they are in the real situation, on the ground in front of their closest competitors, cheered by umpteen numbers of zealous fans. A gamut of feelings and expectations keeps bracing them throughout the matches. Self-talk, a positive attitude and a cool head is what players should look out for while setting goals and facing opponents on the court. A mere slip of serve may very easily lead them to frustration. A close decision may tempt players to swear at the umpires or other players, but this would only demoralize them in the game ahead.
We have seen this attitude factor deciding many games and the fate of players this year at Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena. Marcos Baghdatis crashed his way out of this year’s game by crushing four racquets in frustration, defying the codes and ethics. The very same day Mardy Fish seeded eighth in the world lost to world No.71
Alejandro Fall. He succumbed to pressure and started yelling during the draw, which may have been the reason behind his elimination and under performance.
Therefore, if you want your most favourite player to win the tournament, pray that they wear their cool attitudes on their sleeves. Being positive pays off well and a win can only compliment the toughest on the grounds.