Chapter 1
The Mental Edge: How Tennis's Greatest Tactician Revolutionized the Game
In the summer of 1992, a relatively unknown player with unorthodox strokes published a book that would forever change how tennis is played and understood. "Winning Ugly" became an instant sensation among players of all levels, from weekend warriors to touring professionals. Even as tennis has evolved dramatically in the decades since-with Monica Seles and Jim Courier giving way to the era of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic-Brad Gilbert's tactical approach remains remarkably relevant. The book has become required reading for college tennis teams nationwide, and when Andre Agassi hired Gilbert as his coach in 1994, he rose from #32 to #1 in just over a year, capturing two Grand Slam titles along the way. What makes Gilbert's approach so powerful? It's simple: while most players obsess over technical perfection, Gilbert recognized that the mental game-preparation, strategy, and tactical awareness-often determines who walks off the court victorious.
Chapter 2
The Match Begins Before the First Serve
When Brad Gilbert turned professional in 1982, he quickly discovered a harsh reality: top players like McEnroe, Lendl, and Connors began their matches mentally long before stepping on court. While Gilbert was still settling into his rhythm during the first set, these champions arrived ready to "grab him by the throat" from the opening point. They had been mentally preparing since learning he was their opponent.
This pre-match mental preparation creates what Gilbert calls "the early edge"-a critical advantage that begins well before the coin toss. Your mental warm-up should start before reaching the court-in your car, on the sidewalk, or even the night before. Gilbert visualizes points and specific shots against his opponent, reviewing previous matches and tendencies. While the five-minute on-court warm-up appears casual to spectators, most professionals have been mentally preparing throughout the day.
Gilbert's pre-match mental checklist includes reviewing everything about your opponent: how previous matches went, their shot patterns, strengths, weaknesses, and playing style. Consider their "personality" too-are they slow between points? Emotional? Do they protest calls? Understanding these tendencies helps you control your own game plan and composure when facing their particular style.
This preparation should lead to a specific strategy: what you want to make happen and what you want to prevent. Answer key questions about your opponent's weapons, weaknesses, and how to direct your strengths against their vulnerabilities while protecting your own weak spots. This creates a mental compass for the match-even with unexpected detours, you'll have a basic route mapped in your head.
Gilbert's detailed mental preparation against Boris Becker focused on exploiting both physical and emotional weaknesses. He'd target Becker's forehand despite its power, knowing Becker would get frustrated when it failed. Gilbert's 1-2-3 punch: serve wide to Becker's forehand, hit a forehand approach to his backhand (forcing a difficult grip change while running), then camp near the alley for his down-the-line return. At the 1987 U.S. Open, down two sets and 0-3 in the third, Gilbert used this strategy to stage an epic comeback in brutal heat. As Becker's composure crumbled-screaming in German, slamming his racket-Gilbert stayed patient and stuck to his plan.
Against Connors, Gilbert's preparation was completely different-he mentally prepared to block out the chaos Connors created with fans and officials. His specific strategy included slicing to Connors' forehand, serving big on first serves, and remembering that Connors hated "junk" balls with no pace. This focused preparation helped Gilbert defeat him at the 1987 Masters after losing to him at the U.S. Open months earlier.
The early mental edge isn't just for professionals-it's even more advantageous for recreational players since most opponents are mentally lazy before and during matches. Ten focused minutes of preparation can dramatically improve your chances of victory.
Chapter 3
Equipment as Strategy: Preparing for Battle
Equipment preparation is another crucial aspect of pre-match advantage that most recreational players overlook. While casual players bring only the bare minimum-shoes, clothes, racket-serious players ensure they have everything they might need during competition. Gilbert approaches equipment preparation meticulously, treating the court like his office and bringing an extensive array of supplies to every match.
Water tops Gilbert's equipment list-he calls it "the secret energy drink" that players undervalue because it's free. He drinks two to three glasses before matches, brings his own container courtside, and takes sips at every changeover. His rule: "Drink water before the match to protect yourself in the first set; drink during the first set to protect yourself in the second." Always drink before you feel thirsty, as thirst signals you're already dehydrated.
Food is equally important-Gilbert always brings bananas for quick energy and easy digestion. While nutritionists warn against candy bars for their sugar crash effect, Gilbert pragmatically notes that if you bring enough, you can just eat another when energy wanes. The key is bringing something-anything is better than nothing when your energy drops during a long match.
Professional players carry 8-9 rackets not just for breakage but for different string tensions-looser strings for more power when getting overpowered, tighter strings for better control. Recreational players should bring at least two identical rackets-it's sloppy to play with a beat-up spare when your main racket breaks. Three rackets with varying tensions is ideal if you can afford it.
Gilbert's equipment bag also contains medical supplies (tape, Band-Aids, Flex-All 454, ibuprofen, electrolyte pills), extra clothing (shoes, socks, shirts), and maintenance items (grips, shoelaces, string savers). Each item serves a strategic purpose-extra shoes prevented a potential defeat when toe pain struck during the 1987 Volvo/Stratton Mountain Tournament finals, while changing into dry socks mid-match prevents blisters and provides a psychological lift.
Even seemingly minor items like towels serve multiple purposes: wiping sweat, emergency clothing (when Gilbert once split his pants during an exhibition), and creating a mini-office by draping it over his head during changeovers to block everything out and focus. His Oakland A's cap, Jolly Rancher candies, and sunglasses round out his personal equipment strategy.
Packing his equipment bag is like a pilot's pre-flight checklist-it ensures he's prepared for any circumstance and mentally settles him into the upcoming match. It's part of his "D.R.M." approach: Don't Rush Me. Even if you're "just playing for fun," it's a lot more fun to win, and proper equipment preparation gives you another early advantage before the first point is played.
Chapter 4
Physical Preparation: The Foundation for Mental Success
In 1988, Gilbert's tennis career nearly ended due to severe ankle pain. After surgery and rehabilitation, he faced another challenge-his poor conditioning habits. Working with Mark Grabow, one of America's top conditioning experts, Gilbert developed a pre-match routine that dramatically improved his performance and prevented injuries. This brief but effective program can work wonders for recreational players too.
Gilbert's warm-up serves two purposes: enhancing early match performance and preventing injury. While ideally you'd spend 20-25 minutes preparing before touching a racket, even 4-5 minutes can dramatically improve your game. The first three minutes focus on dynamic flexibility movements to warm muscles, followed by one minute of static stretching.
Tennis starts from the ground up-everything begins with the legs, yet recreational players typically only warm up arms and hands. You need a sport-specific, low-intensity warm-up to raise the core temperature of primary muscle groups between hips and feet. This increases blood flow, allowing muscles to contract more forcefully with less injury risk.
The dynamic warm-up begins with "Circle the Square"-jogging around your half of the court while always facing the net. Start at the baseline-doubles sideline intersection, jog forward along the sideline, then sideways along the net, backward to the baseline, and sideways along the baseline. Repeat 2-4 times, gradually increasing pace. Next, add "Kick Your Butt" heel kicks while running forward and backward, raising your heel toward your buttocks on each step. Finally, incorporate "The High Stepper" by bringing your knees higher toward your waistline as if trying to bring them to your chest.
Once muscles are activated and warmed, briefly perform static stretches for better range of motion and reduced injury risk. "The Stork" involves standing near the net for balance, raising one foot behind you and grasping it with your hand to stretch your quadriceps. "Bow to the Emperor" stretches hamstrings and lower back by standing with feet slightly apart, knees flexed, and bending at the waist with a straight back. "Pull Your Own Groin" stretches the groin muscles by standing with feet about 24 inches apart and gradually shifting weight to one foot while keeping the other leg straight.
This brief warm-up prepares your body for the on-court warm-up, which most recreational players waste through either excessive length or careless rushing. Gilbert recommends a specific seven-minute, forty-five-second routine: ninety seconds of volley-to-volley inside the service box to wake up hand-eye coordination; four minutes of groundstrokes focusing on depth and rhythm; thirty seconds of overheads; fifteen seconds of practice tosses; one minute of serves to both courts; and thirty seconds of focused service returns.
During this warm-up, scout your opponent's tendencies. Hit balls down the middle to see which way they step. Try a surprise lob to check overhead movement. Hit low volleys to see if they bend their knees or drop the racket head. Watch their movement and stroke production for weaknesses. Remember Gilbert's Golden Rule: The strokes that look prettiest in warm-up are often the ugliest under pressure.
Chapter 5
Managing Pre-Match Nerves: The Four Nervebusters
Nervousness before matches is your body's natural fear response-a defense mechanism preparing you for trouble. Quality players harness the energy from nerves while controlling the negative effects. Uncontrolled nervousness makes legs heavy, freezes movement, and causes poor decision-making, like Miloslav Mecir's infamous meltdown against Connors where he resorted to underhand serves after double-faulting repeatedly.
Gilbert offers four specific techniques to manage pre-match nervousness. First, "Breathe Like You've Got Asthma"-when nervous, your breathing becomes short, shallow and quick. Combat this by taking smooth, rhythmic, deep breaths even before you're on court. Proper breathing helps reduce nervousness and keeps you centered.
Second, develop "Happy Feet"-footwork is everything in tennis, and nerves destroy it by making feet stick to the court "like Velcro." Think "toes"-stay on the balls of your feet for light, quick steps. Tell yourself to "bounce" and stay light. Movement reduces nerves; lack of movement increases them. As a bonus, good footwork shows positive body language to your opponent, making you appear confident and energized even when you're not.
Third, "Read the Label"-during warm-up, try to read the print on the ball ("Wilson" or "Penn" or "Slazenger"). This helps your eyes track the ball while distracting your mind from nerves. Even if you only see a blur, you've redirected your focus away from anxiety.
Fourth, "Sing a Song"-distract yourself from nerves by quietly singing under your breath during warm-up. A Tom Petty song running through your head keeps everything calm and easy when starting a match. It sounds strange but works effectively to maintain composure.
The fundamental principle behind these techniques is that your mind can't think of two things at once. During pressure points, focus on your game plan instead of your nerves. By concentrating on what you're trying to do with your serve or how to exploit your opponent's shots, you divert attention away from tension and toward the next point, where it belongs.
Jimmy Connors demonstrates a different approach to nerves-he sees pressure as opportunity. The more pressure, the more opportunity. Playing the finals of the U.S. Open? Maximum pressure but also maximum career-making potential. Connors thrives when something big is at stake-match point in a Slam event is when he's having the most fun. While this attitude comes naturally to Connors, most players benefit more from Gilbert's practical nervebuster techniques.
Chapter 6
Starting Smart: The First Two Games
Mental preparation, equipment optimization, stretching, and winning the warm-up give you the foundation for a strong opening that creates positive momentum. Getting off to a good start dramatically improves your chances of winning the first set, which statistically matters enormously-Top 20 players who win the first set win the match 89.6% of the time.
The first two games represent a crucial transition period that many players overlook. At top levels of tennis, the difference isn't strokes but tennis smarts-the mental game. This transitional period presents unique opportunities that your opponent may not recognize or know how to capitalize on.
Gilbert offers four key strategies for the best possible match start. First, when winning the spin, choose to receive serve first. Most club players wrongly believe serving first gives an advantage, but receiving first provides multiple benefits. Your opponent's serve will be at its weakest early in the match when they're not warmed up, while you get additional time to loosen up before your own service game. Psychologically, opponents may try to serve harder to prove themselves, leading to more faults. Breaking serve early gives you a substantial advantage before you've even served.
Second, start your match like Ivan Lendl-begin at 65-75% of your maximum power for the first 3-4 games, consciously resisting the urge to hit hard immediately. This approach allows you to build rhythm gradually rather than trying to dial back after starting too aggressively. When Gilbert first played Lendl in '82, he was surprised by how manageable Lendl's shots seemed initially-until the fifth game when Lendl suddenly cranked up to full power and rolled over him 6-2, 6-2.
Third, play the first two games correctly. Since you're not fully loose yet, focus on eliminating unforced errors rather than trying to impress your opponent. When serving first, resist the temptation to hit big-just get the ball in, preferably to their weaker side. Don't give away freebies that would energize your opponent. If you win the first game, don't relax in the second-the tendency is to feel too good too soon. Resist it and focus on getting your first serves in.
Fourth, utilize the first changeover effectively. The break after the first game isn't for physical rest-it's for mental preparation. Use this time to review your game plan, remind yourself of your strategy, and maintain focus. Unlike later changeovers where you'll analyze what's happened, this first break is about looking ahead and reinforcing your approach.
A smart businessperson constantly looks for ways to improve their business, yet many players stop thinking strategically once they step on court. Smart players analyze what's happening throughout the match. While some play tennis just to relax, Gilbert notes he's "always found winning a lot more relaxing than losing." The biggest misconception recreational players have is that tennis doesn't require much mental engagement.
Chapter 7
Finding the Combination to Your Opponent's Game
Gilbert's strategy isn't about overpowering opponents or flashy shots-it's about implementation. He maximizes his strengths while minimizing weaknesses, consistently positioning himself to hit shots he likes. Simultaneously, he forces opponents into uncomfortable positions, making them hit shots they don't like. His goal is turning their game against them, as he did with McEnroe at the '87 Masters and Becker at the '87 U.S. Open.
Understanding match dynamics means knowing exactly how points are being won and lost. Is your opponent successfully attacking at net? Are they exploiting your second serve? Which side are you getting passed on? What's their playing style? Most recreational players don't pay sufficient attention to these patterns-Gilbert even mentions a player who didn't realize his opponent was left-handed until midway through the first set.
Gilbert compares every player's game to a combination lock-difficult to open without the combination, but much easier with it. His analytical approach developed naturally from his childhood obsession with sports, where he'd constantly predict plays in football, baseball, and basketball games. As a young pro, he studied opponents carefully, watching new players whenever possible.
This approach crystallized after losing badly to Fritz "Fratz" Buehning, prompting Gilbert to create his "little black book"-not for phone numbers like other players, but for tracking opponents' patterns, weaknesses, and tendencies. He meticulously recorded unforced errors, winners, and forcing shots on particular strokes. While watching matches, Gilbert studied players like a history test, noting Boris Becker's tendency to hit down the line when attacked on his backhand and how his game suffered after missing forehand shots.
Under pressure-"the ultimate lie detector"-players reveal their true game. When ahead 4-2, a player with a questionable backhand might hit it fine, but when down 2-4 or facing set point, they'll desperately avoid their weak shot. Gilbert exploited this by forcing opponents into their weakness during crucial moments. For example, if an opponent's backhand was suspect, he'd pull them wide on their forehand first, then hit to the backhand so they couldn't run around it, forcing them to hit off-balance.
Gilbert urges players to scout opponents carefully, watching for patterns, weaknesses, and pressure responses. He recommends tracking where opponents make mistakes, what shots they prefer, their movement abilities, and how they handle specific situations. Equally important is self-analysis-having friends track your statistics during matches or consulting with club pros about your vulnerabilities. "The most effective athletes are the ones who know their weaknesses," he writes, citing Ken "Snake" Stabler and Joe Montana as examples of athletes who maximized strengths while minimizing weaknesses.
Gilbert illustrates his analytical approach with a match against Aaron Krickstein in Brisbane. Struggling against Krickstein's powerful forehand, Gilbert accidentally discovered that hitting soft, short slices to Krickstein's forehand side neutralized his weapon. The low, soft ball prevented Krickstein from generating his usual topspin power, forcing weaker returns. Down 2-3 in the first set when he made this discovery, Gilbert won six straight games and eventually the match by "minimizing Krickstein's great forehand strength" and exploiting a weakness.
Chapter 8
Neutralizing Problematic Opponents
Every player faces opponents whose style consistently gives them trouble. For Gilbert, it was Ivan Lendl (0-16 lifetime record). While professional players have fewer exploitable weaknesses-when forced out of their A-game, their B-game remains formidable-recreational players typically have one-dimensional games that are easier to crack. Once you identify and neutralize their primary weapon or style, their alternatives are usually significantly weaker.
Gilbert analyzes several common problematic playing styles and offers specific tactical solutions. First, the Retriever (also called Pushers, Rabbits, or Golden Retrievers)-baseline players who get everything back without using pace, depth, spin, angles or touch. These players win by frustrating opponents into making unforced errors or abandoning their own game plan.
Success against Retrievers requires mental preparation for long rallies. Like preparing for a dental appointment, you must expect to suffer through extended points. Their consistency is their primary weapon, especially at club level where unforced errors determine outcomes more than winners do. Force Retrievers out of their comfort zone by coming to the net on short or medium balls, or draw them forward with short shots, forcing them to play their weak net game.
Most importantly, don't supply the energy Retrievers need-make them generate their own pace. Retrievers feed off your power, using it against you like a wall. The harder you hit, the harder the ball returns and the more likely you'll make mistakes. Against a Retriever, think "second serve" rather than trying for aces. Serving with less pace robs them of the energy they feed off, forcing them to generate their own power.
For extremely quick players who get to everything, Gilbert advises "don't let a runner run." Players with speed love hitting on the run-it's what they practice constantly due to their ability to reach so many balls. Take away their asset by hitting deep down the middle. Instead of letting them run to the ball (which they love), force them to run away from it. Target wherever they're standing like a bull's-eye. They'll overrun shots, hit off-balance, and produce weaker returns.
When facing an opponent who relentlessly exploits your weak backhand, Gilbert recommends being conservative with your backhand-resist the urge to attempt spectacular shots. Focus on simply getting the ball back in play. Your first duty is avoiding unforced errors-make your opponent hit another shot rather than gifting them points. Additionally, run around your backhand when appropriate, get to the net where you can't be forced to hit backhand groundstrokes, attack the second serve, and don't forget the lob as an alternative to passing shots.
Against power servers, Gilbert recommends two contradictory tactics: either move back about five feet behind your normal position to gain reaction time, or move dramatically forward (inside the service line) to block returns. Both approaches disrupt the server's rhythm. Additionally, shorten your grip by holding the racket two to three inches closer to the head for better control, and cut your backswing in half to improve reaction time.
Chapter 9
The Seven Hidden Ad Points: Critical Moments Most Players Miss
While most players recognize the importance of ad points (points that can win a game), Gilbert identifies seven overlooked "Hidden Ad Points"-critical moments that significantly impact match dynamics but often go unnoticed. These moments represent opportunities to gain momentum, reestablish presence, or maintain dominance when opponents are mentally "asleep." Recognizing these situations gives players a significant advantage, especially at the recreational level where opponents often fail to appreciate their importance.
The first Hidden Ad Point is the "Set-up Point"-points that can lead to ad points, specifically those played at love-30, 30-love, 15-30, 30-15, 30-30, and deuce. Winning a Set-up Point at 30-30 puts you one point from winning the game while your opponent needs three points-a significant psychological advantage. Gilbert's primary rule: "Get it in or get it back!" This means serving reliably or returning safely rather than attempting spectacular shots.
The second Hidden Ad Point is the "Set-up Game"-any game that can move a player within one game of winning the set, especially critical at 4-4 or 5-5. Winning this game creates tremendous pressure on the opponent, who must then hold serve or lose the set/match. Gilbert rejects the common notion that the seventh game is always critical-it matters only if it moves a player to within one game of winning the set. His approach to Set-up Games: play like a boa constrictor-apply steady pressure without flashy shots, forcing opponents to make mistakes through impatience.
The third Hidden Ad Point is the "Dictate Games"-the first two games of the second set in a best-of-three match. These are critical moments to either continue dominance after winning the first set or reestablish presence after losing it. Gilbert warns about "The Wounded Bear" (your opponent becomes dangerous after losing the first set) and "The Happy Camper" (warning against relaxing after winning the first set). This psychological window at the start of set two can either close an opponent's hopes or provide your comeback opportunity.
The fourth Hidden Ad Point is "Stretching a Lead"-when ahead in a match, Gilbert deliberately "lies to himself" to maintain intensity, pretending he's behind to stay hungry rather than relaxed. He recommends maintaining exactly what worked to get the lead-not changing tactics, equipment, or even the ball in play. For recreational players especially, increasing concentration rather than power is key.
The fifth Hidden Ad Point is "Stopping the Match From Slipping Away"-when behind, Gilbert employs his "D.R.M." (Don't Rush Me) philosophy to control the match tempo. He deliberately slows things down through rituals like touching marks on the court, using towels, tying shoes, or changing equipment-all to disrupt his opponent's momentum and prevent mistakes from snowballing.
The sixth Hidden Ad Point is "Tiebreaker Tactics"-Gilbert approaches tiebreakers as "mini-sets" with the same components but compressed and more potent. The first two points function as "Dictate Points" where control can be established. He emphasizes deliberate play rather than rushing, isolating the tiebreak mentally from the previous set.
The seventh Hidden Ad Point is "Closing Out a Match"-when serving for the match, Gilbert warns against two dangerous mindsets: assuming victory is certain or fearing inability to finish. Most dangerous is underestimating an opponent in immediate danger of losing-"A fish fights hardest when you get it next to the boat!" His fundamental approach remains making no mistakes or stupid shots, forcing opponents to earn points rather than giving away free ones.
Chapter 10
Emergency Stroke Repair: When Your Game Falls Apart
Even top players experience rare "in the zone" moments when victory feels certain and shots flow effortlessly. While Gilbert enjoyed an exceptional zone during summer '89 (winning three consecutive tournaments and defeating champions like Becker and Edberg), most matches involve fluctuating performance quality. When strokes suddenly fail mid-match, quick fixes are essential.
For failing forehands, early racket preparation is critical-get ready when the ball crosses the net. Most players take their racket back too late when getting casual or tired. Your racket should be fully prepared when the ball crosses the net-"It's at the net. Am I ready yet?" Earlier preparation prevents timing, footwork and balance problems.
When your backhand deteriorates during play, the problem is usually trying to do too much with it, especially under pressure. Stop attempting heroic shots and lower your expectations-focus simply on getting the ball over the net and in the court. Aim for placement rather than power, and make your opponent at least play the ball.
Service problems are particularly frustrating since you can't blame your opponent. Most recreational players overestimate their serving prowess, attempting power serves beyond their capability. When missing first serves, "downshift" from maximum effort (fourth gear) to a more controlled delivery (third gear). Get some rhythm back before attempting full power again.
Volleys fail most often on seemingly easy balls when players become passive and wait for the ball to arrive. The solution is aggressive movement toward the net-"This isn't the Post Office. You don't wait for delivery." Every step closer to the net improves your volley success rate, as demonstrated by net-rushing masters like McEnroe and Edberg.
Overhead problems typically stem from prioritizing power over placement. When opponents start lobbing, resist the urge to smash winners and instead focus on controlled placement. This removes pressure, creating a more rhythmic, loose, and ultimately more effective overhead.
Wind affects your strokes by disrupting your mental comfort. Gilbert offers four strategies: start with wind in your face (which prevents overshooting), lower your service toss, shorten your strokes for better contact, and focus on good footwork. Wind challenges everyone, including professionals.
While most tennis tips work differently for different players, good footwork universally improves all strokes. When any shot becomes problematic, first check your footwork-staying on the balls of your feet significantly increases your chances for good stroke execution.
Gilbert emphasizes that match play alone won't improve specific stroke problems. Like Jack Nicklaus's methodical golf practice, tennis players should isolate and address specific weaknesses during practice sessions. Even thirty minutes of focused practice once or twice monthly can produce remarkable improvement.
Chapter 11
Mastering the Mental Game: From Gilbert to Agassi
Gilbert's greatest contribution to tennis may be his work with Andre Agassi, transforming him from tennis's wild child into the world's #1 player. When Andre first emerged on tour, he was a showman with long hair and earrings who threw shirts to crowds. Despite awesome abilities, he won inconsistently, making brilliant shots followed by careless errors. Though he reached number three and won Wimbledon in '92, his enormous potential remained largely untapped as he played more for entertainment than strategic victory.
During the '94 Lipton Championships, Andre (then ranked 32nd after wrist surgery) casually asked for game improvement suggestions over dinner. Gilbert told him he was playing too far behind the baseline, lacked match-to-match consistency, and tried digging himself out of trouble with huge winners. After five months with no significant results, he won the Canadian Open, followed by an unseeded run to the U.S. Open title.
Andre credits Gilbert with teaching him how to win when not at his best-the key lesson of "Winning Ugly." Gilbert's core philosophy is "work a plan"-having a clear match strategy and forcing it on opponents through three steps: knowing your strengths and weaknesses, understanding your opponent's strengths and weaknesses, and figuring how to apply your strengths against their weaknesses.
Gilbert's first tactical advice was that Andre needed to "go in for the kill" when he opened the court, rather than staying back to hit another groundstroke. He also taught Andre to use his serve strategically to set up points. In the '94 U.S. Open final against Stich, they planned to mix up serves to prevent Stich from getting comfortable enough to attack the net-resulting in a straight-sets Grand Slam victory.
Against specific opponents, Gilbert developed tailored strategies. For Jim Courier, he taught Andre to first attack Courier's powerful forehand to open the court, then exploit his vulnerable running backhand. Against Sampras, Andre targets his relatively weaker return of serve, attacking quickly when Pete floats back shorter returns. With Michael Chang, Andre attacks his strength-making Chang run side to side, believing "I can hit these balls side to side a lot longer than Michael can run side to side."
Andre realized his mind had been his weakness because he thought he could simply overpower opponents with harder hitting. Working with Gilbert, he transformed this mental weakness into a strength, earning opponents' respect as someone who stays physically and mentally committed until the final point.
Gilbert's philosophy is that 5% of the time your opponent is in the zone and you won't win, 5% of the time you're in the zone and can't lose, but the other 90% of matches are up for grabs-you just need to figure out how to win. The key is staying positive and believing there's always a way, something Andre mastered under Gilbert's coaching.
This mental approach to tennis-maximizing limited physical gifts through superior thinking-offers perhaps the most valuable lesson for average players. By adopting Gilbert's approach to preparation, match dynamics, and opponent analysis, recreational players can dramatically improve their results without changing their strokes. As Gilbert concludes, "A thinking player always has a plan. Even a bad plan beats no plan, because a thinking player will recognize and adjust a failing strategy." By maintaining your optimal match tempo and incorporating left-brain thinking into your game, you'll win more often without changing your strokes-winning ugly, perhaps, but winning nonetheless.
