Morning Match Preparation: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Morning match start times can range anywhere from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.—or anytime in between. Regardless of when you're scheduled to play, preparation is a critical step in setting yourself up for success on court.

We previously covered nutritional strategies in our post Pre, During, and Post Match Nutrition. In this article, we’ll focus on everything outside of nutrition—specifically: Equipment, Mindset, and Tactics.

Let’s dive in.

Equipment

Tennis Bag Preparation

Avoid the mistake of packing your bag the morning of your match. Morning chaos is real—unexpected delays or distractions can throw off your rhythm. Packing the night before ensures you're organized and ready to go with zero stress.

Shoes / Clothes / Towels / WristbandsI’m extremely particular about these items because they provide structure and consistency before every match. This kind of routine brings me calm and confidence, knowing I’ve done all I can to be ready.

Here’s what I include:

• Comfortable running shoes to wear before the match

• Tennis shoes carried separately to the court

• 1 wristband on my right arm

• 2 extra pairs of clothes, including socks

• 2 towels in the bag

  
  

Water / Electrolytes / SnacksI always organize these the night before. Whether you use pouches, pockets, a dedicated water jug, or a backup cooler, make sure it’s all set up and ready to go. I also recommend preparing a full serving of your electrolytes the night before, so it’s ready to consume the moment you wake up or right before you play.

Mindset

Stress Level

Managing stress is key. The more relaxed and mentally at ease you are, the better you'll perform.

• If you're driving yourself, check the travel time and route the night before. Arrive well ahead of check-in or match start time.

• If you’re with a team, and there’s a scheduled warm-up, make sure to finish at least 10–15 minutes before your match. Use that time for breathing techniques, centering yourself, or simply calming your mind.

Breathing

This has always been essential for me. Over the years, I’ve used different techniques, adapting them as I’ve grown.Lately, I’ve found real benefit in guided breathing—specifically the method developed by Wim Hof. His routines are phenomenal, and I personally use them before training and matches today. I highly recommend looking into his work and his remarkable life story. His accomplishments are nothing short of inspiring.

Tactics

Specific Focus During the Match

Know exactly what you’re trying to get out of your matchplay. Keep your goals simple, specific, and achievable. Here’s an example of my typical match focus:

• Tolerance: Stay consistent with 75% rally balls aimed at a ¾ court margin on both Deuce and Ad sides.

• Testing Opponent’s Tolerance: Begin the match with a neutral, steady game plan. Can my opponent handle basic rally balls? If not, stay the course. If they can, begin moving them around and work toward creating Inside-Out or Inside-In forehand opportunities.

• Serve Targets: Start with high first-serve percentages.

  • Deuce Side: Slice wide

  • Ad Side: Up the T

  • Add kick serves to the backhand with safe net clearance and margin

Visual Targets to Keep in Mind:

• Baseline Targets (Left side of your mental map)

• Serve Targets (Center)

• Point Construction Goals (Right side)

  

The more intentional we are with every layer of preparation, the better we can expect our results to be. If you’ve already committed to waking up early for a match, then you’re fully invested. Why not make that investment count?

• Invest the time

• Arrange the mindset

• Coordinate the preparation

Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful when you step on court.