How to play against a better player? Tips from Timur Kamilov

“Losing is not my enemy. Fear of losing is my enemy.”  Rafael  Nadal.

There isn't a tennis player in the world that’s never lost. The professionals know this very well. In tennis, the players often know who the better player is before they go onto the court. 

Tennis Tips: How to play against better player:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7sNB-rdd2k

No matter what your current skill level or your ability to hit great tennis shots, the secret to how to play better tennis is in your understanding of the game and the techniques involved.

Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, the legends of the Tennis

"Never slug it out with a slugger." (statement)

No two tennis players have exactly the same game, but most of the opponents you're likely to face can be one of several major categories. Learning to adapt your strategy to a wide variety of opponents is one of the keys to becoming a tough competitor. 

This player is too good!  Tips from Timur:

1. You have to have fun first of all and enjoy being on the court.
2. Make your opponent hit winners.  We all human being, not machines. Your opponent will stop hitting them at some point. Stay very patient, they will not play this well for the entire match.
3. Play within yourself; do not try to play great tennis, these will only cause errors. Stay calm, relax, breathe, stay more focus, and so not get critical of your mistakes. Do not try to do difficult and crazy shots.
4. Everyone is beatable, and worries about the match. Keep the ball in play.
5. Get them out of their comfort zone. Try to change your game a little bit, rhythm. I mean
   use lob balls, drop shots, little crosscourt dinks, and moon balls, all kinds of stuff with primarily little or no speed on it. If you know how to hit sliced forehands and backhands, that may come in handy. Basically, do something to make your opponent to lose his concentration and focus. Your opponent will respect you for steady play and may indeed get irritated that you're working so hard to stay in the points.
6. All my coaches always used to watch all my matches and they always were honest saying when matches are not won- they are lost.
7. Always have a respect to your opponent, if he plays at the same tournament as you, so he definitely qualified to play against you.  But have confidence in yourself at the same time.
8. In between points, take deep breaths or just listen to your breath going in and out. Do whatever you can to keep your cool.