Authors – Vedika Jogani
Vedika Jogani is OMP’s Product and Content Manager who has a Master’s degree in Sports and Exercise Science, specializing in Mental Performance.
The Australian Open is in full swing.
For some players, the draw is particularly cruel, pitting them against top-ranked opponents in the very first round.
The daunting challenge of facing a world number one as an unranked player is interesting: What goes through the mind of an underdog, and what does it take for a top-ranked player to maintain their dominance?
The Underdog’s Perspective
For an unranked player, stepping onto the court with a world number one can feel like entering a lion’s den.
On paper, the underdog has nothing to lose, but the reality is more nuanced.
Challenges for the Lower-Ranked Player:
- Freedom from Expectations: The lower-ranked player often comes into the match with little external pressure to win. This freedom can be liberating, allowing them to play with a “nothing to lose” mindset. However, this can also lead to a lack of structure or focus if not channeled effectively.
- Everyone is Watching: While the world’s expectations may rest on the ranked player’s shoulders, the unranked player must still grapple with being under an intense spotlight. Every shot is scrutinized and every reaction analyzed. Knowing millions are watching can either fuel confidence or magnify nerves.
- Mental Resilience: Playing against a higher-ranked opponent requires extraordinary mental resilience. The unranked player must focus on executing their game plan rather than being overwhelmed by the opponent’s reputation or the occasion itself.
The Ranked Player
Famous players often remark that reaching world number one is tough but staying there is even tougher.
The top-ranked player is expected to dominate, and any deviation from perfection invites criticism.
Challenges for the Higher-Ranked Player:
- Managing Expectations: The higher-ranked player faces immense pressure from every angle: their team, fans, sponsors, social media, and even their own high standards. They’re expected to perform flawlessly and justify their ranking.
- Playing Not to Lose: When you’re at the top, every opponent wants to take you down. Ranked players can fall into the trap of playing cautiously, trying to avoid mistakes rather than playing their natural, aggressive game that got them to the top.
- Staying Motivated: Maintaining focus and drive is a constant challenge for top-ranked players, especially when they’re facing opponents they’re expected to beat. They have to play their own game and not mirror that of the opponent.
Mental Skills That Can Help:
- Stick to Your Routines: Routines provide stability amidst chaos. From pre-match rituals to in-game resets, sticking to tried-and-tested habits helps players stay grounded and focused, regardless of the opponent’s or their own ranking.
- Visualize Past Successes: Both ranked and unranked players can benefit from recalling moments when they performed at their best. Visualization not only boosts confidence but also reinforces the belief that success is achievable, even in high-pressure situations.
- Remember Your Why: In moments of doubt, reconnecting with your “why” – the reason you play the sport – can be a powerful motivator. For some, it might be the love of the game; for others, it’s the pursuit of excellence or representing their community. Keeping this purpose at the forefront can inspire resilience and determination.
As players face higher-ranked opponents, the ability to perform under pressure and maintain focus often becomes the deciding factor between victory and defeat.