Interesting Lessons Learned from the US Open

Yes, the play was amazing, the comebacks were shocking, and the compassion displayed this year was a welcome breath of fresh air for our sport. But four important lessons learned need to be acknowledged.  

For the general audience, the enthusiasm and quality of play were fantastic, and Tiafoe and Michelsen's embrace after the match was truly captivating. For coaches, that moment between the two players represented a lesson in the importance of mutual respect. It highlighted the importance of recognizing that, at the end of the day, top players share common goals with their opponents. Ending any match with mutual respect also shows that, despite the intensity, there was no envy or anger. Coaches are very aware that a post-match interaction should never include any negative comments about an opponent, especially someone they know they will probably face many times in the future. Any negative emotions about an opponent can manifest into poor judgment and, in turn, poor play. The sport at this level is already very demanding; players certainly don’t need to take to the court with unproductive, unnecessary emotional baggage.

That first lesson was repeated at the end of the Zverev v. Shelton match. What Zverev said to Shelton at the end of their match was encouraging words and praise for his effort during their match. Add to that the unusual gesture of Zverev going over to his opponent's coaches to congratulate them on their work. Then, adding sincere words of admiration for Ben’s father was a real class act. Sincerity is often referred to as the gateway to a higher spiritual or enlightened state of being. That emotional plateau is more capable of a mindset that will be focused solely on purpose and objectives the next time they play.  

The second lesson comes from that very unusual moment that took place at the end of the match. Watching Zverev not know the match was over was a first for any US Open men’s final, but also is a lesson in concentration and focus. It is said that marathon runners who think too much about the finish line will likely tire much earlier in a race. Such thinking tends to expend far more energy and stress. So instead, they focus on taking just one stride at a time. Zverev’s unawareness of the match ending was a wonderful example and lesson of a player’s ability to “stay in the moment” and just take one point at a time.

The third lesson, often forgotten, is that a coach needs to take time and find out how a player’s passion for the game came to be. During the usual tradition of having both players provide a short speech, Zverev, after thanking everyone involved in organizing the event, added an emotional comment about the most important person in his life: his mother. She was the one who made sure that his diabetes diagnosis at the age of 4, and the doctor's warning of his future physical limitations, was not going to be an issue. She made it clear to the doctor that her son could succeed in any career choice he made, including sports. She likely raised her son with that positive message, which, as anyone could see, all came to be.

Why is this so important for coaches? Because coaching anyone to be their best via demanding practices and workouts will take more than fist pumps and positive cheering. It requires the recognition of what a player has overcome in their journey. This can become part of a mission statement that can bring the player, coach, and, for that matter, the coaching team, together in their effort to be the best. The seasonal tournament calendar makes for a very long year requiring dedicated hard work; any feelings or dreams that can contribute to staying motivated are worth knowing about and embracing.  

And the last lesson learned will be useful after the Open. The Open may not be the last pro tournament of the year, but it concludes this year’s Grand Slam season and allows these competitive tennis players and their coaches to plan and design a new program focused on the coming year. How they performed at the Open should provide both coaches and players with valuable insight for potential changes in their games, strokes, and conditioning. That is a lesson for all coaches and players: take time off from competing to make changes and improve. No professional athlete competes for all twelve months; regardless of your age or level of play, dedicate time not only to improving your overall game, but also to just relax, or, as often called, “recharge your batteries.”