No doubt John Isner and Nicolaus Mahut are part of something amazing, absolutely amazing. Patrick McEnroe is right that win or lose Isner and Mahut have to feel special. They’ve touched every tennis player on the planet. This will be a memory they will never forget.

That said, the next 12 hours will be crucial in getting themselves prepared for the battle that resumes tomorrow. What can they possibly do mentally and emotionally to prepare for a situation like this? Well, at this point it’s anyone’s guess because nobody has been here before. But here’s what I recommend:

Once they’ve hydrated, eaten a ton, gotten a minimum of a 2 hr massage, and taken the plunge into an ice bath (i hope for their sake), talked to family or those in their inner circle, it’s quiet time. They need to let their brain and heart decompress from this gigantic occasion. Then they need to go “wide angle” and get some perspective. It would be good to acknowledge what they accomplished. Part of history, something so special for the tennis world and themselves, of course….Then….

Get down to brass tacks: The outcome will likely be determined by who returns better. The serve is a virtual given. Nevertheless, it would be good to visualize the first serve bombs and striking with a few winners out of the gates….good, done.

Then, picture a neutral mind, just themselves and the ball and being as present as possible, relishing the moment, wanting to be there, and aggressive. Easier said than done. Of course. But it is key to take the “circus” out of the remainder of the match and put it to the side. Ball, ball, ball…

Finally, see some blistering returns, playing loose, stepping in and playing to win. They need to let go and and see this in their mind. Isner had 2 match points around 10-9 in the fifth and he played it safe. New day tomorrow. New opportunity to step in and try to take it.

Finally, I believe they should actually SEE themselves WINNING it. Until now, the only thing wrong with this fantastic picture is that nobody has claimed the victory yet. They each need to believe that they are the ones who CAN take it. Notice I didn’t say SHOULD. I would go as far as picturing myself shaking hands as the winner. See it, believe it.

Once they’ve spent a few minutes reviewing these pictures then just decide to just cherish the day ahead of them. Then perhaps they can rest their soul and cherish a warm bed…likely never felt so good.

And, of course, the outcome of this match will never compare to the emotional connection and heart that we are all witnessing here!