Three improvements she has made that will help your game.
1. CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS
The biggest difference I’ve noticed in Nadia Petrova’s game recently is her ability to manage her anger. It used to be only a matter of time before she mentally imploded if she wasn’t playing well. Petrova was constantly screaming at herself, which would destroy her confidence and, as a result, her performance. Basically she was losing to herself. But toward the end of 2005 I finally saw Petrova start to relax and display some composure. She was letting her shots, not her emotions, determine the outcome of her matches. The upshot has been a flurry of tournament titles and a jump in the rankings. It’s good to be passionate, but not negative, when you play. Getting upset with yourself usually drags your whole game down. Even when things aren’t going your way, try to stay positive and let your game work for you.
2. CREATE A GO-TO SHOT
Having a better temperament has allowed Petrova to work on other areas of her game, such as her ground strokes. She’s always had a pretty good serve, but I never felt there was anything special about her ground strokes. Consequently, Petrova couldn’t hurt her opponents on a consistent basis. Lately, though, I’ve noticed a marked improvement in her forehand. She hits it with more pace, spin, and consistency. Now Petrova’s opponents have something to fear when they get into rallies with her. Having a shot that you can rely on to hurt your opponents is an important part of any player’s arsenal. It’s nice to feel comfortable with every shot, but you need one that you can use to open up the court and finish off points.
3. WORK THE POINT
Not to keep harping on the same thing, but since Petrova is more relaxed on court, she’s more likely to stay in rallies. When she would blow a fuse, she could string together several bad points in which she would go for low-percentage winners and end up committing many errors. When your head is in the match, you’re going to be more willing to fight. This means playing a little defense, which Petrova does better now because she’s also improved her movement. No, she’s not a speed merchant, but every extra inch you gain gives you more options. This is why Petrova has become so successful on clay, and it’s a great lesson for the everyday player. Get a little fitter, don’t always be so offensiveminded, and commit to staying in rallies for a few extra strokes. You’ll be a much better competitor.