← Writings Competing · Mindset — October 29, 2025

Make him beat me

“These will help me by forcing him to really beat me, instead of beating myself.”

Scan of the handwritten notebook page, October 29, 2025
Notebook page — October 29, 2025

Transcript

Today, I am playing a practice match against another kid around my level. I feel pretty good, as I have been playing quite well lately. However, I might be a little out of practice and out of rhythm, so I will try to play with good margins and focus on making him play. My goals to work on in this match are a higher first serve percentage and splitstepping earlier. These will help me by forcing him to really beat me, instead of beating myself. I will be mentally tough, and I will not base my improvement off of this one match. Regardless of the score and how I play, I am working hard. I will try to adjust within the match and find ways to win Finally, I will block out any negativity that Zak may have, and apply his criticisms.