We can learn a lot from the pros. Watch and listen this week and see what you can glean from their approach to the game. After all, if they are competing for their livelihoods, they must have figured a few things out about what mindset is optimal in competition.

Serena shrugs off the pressure of high expectations, saying Wimbledon’s like playing at the Greensboro Open.

“I approach every match the same, really, whether I’m here or at a tournament in North Carolina or South Carolina,” she said. “I just kind of look at it all the same. You go here and you do the best that you can and you try to just go for it. …

“I don’t feel pressure. I’m here to win Wimbledon like the other 127 people in the draw. That’s kind of how I look at it. Whether I come out with a win or I don’t, it’s just an opportunity for me to be here.”

In an interview Andy Roddick responds to a question about last year’s tournament and how it affects him this year.  “Well, I could answer that question but it doesn’t have to do with last year. I’m always eager to get back and play this tournament. I’m always eager to play a Slam. I am excited to start either way.”

Melanie Oudin when asked about how the US Open and her Wimbledon result last year affects her this year she said, “I’m just taking one match at a time.  If I focus on the rankings and how I did last year I won’t play as well.”

The best in the game know deeply the importance of staying in the moment and not getting ahead of themselves. Looking ahead, predicting what could happen based on last year, last week or yesterday, is a colossal mental error.  They all know it. And they get slightly irritated when asked about how they feel about their chances and what they think might happen.  It just means they need to work harder now to fight off the demons. Their responses are always the same:  “One match a time. It’s going to be tough. I’ll do my best. I’m excited to play.”

What’s  the common denominator? The best in the game are focused on the task at hand, the process, particularly in tournaments.  Do they want results? Of course. Do they think about it? You bet. And that is why they are doing all they can to come prepared mentally, physically, emotionally.

The truth is that staying focused on what they can control IS the inner battle. They are all trying to stay focused in the present and not get ahead of themselves.  Because we all know that being at a Slam with all of the expectations from the fans and media,  money, sponsorships, titles, and history actually require the players to put up their guard and stay in the present. Yes, they are saying the right things because that’s how they know they need to think. Yes, they may feel additional pressure because of the expectations but they fend these thoughts off like a warrior.

As I describe in one of the chapters in my book, The Best Tennis of Your Life, Keep your Expectations off the Court and watch what happens to your swing and the ball. You better because the next point is just a few seconds away…and then the next.