The Reward is the Journey: 'Tricks' of the trade

Wat Buddhapapida in Wimbledon
the first Buddhist Temple in the UK

It came as little, if any, surprise to me to hear that Djokovic, whom even after his defeat yesterday is still ranked No. 1 in the World, took time out during the Championship and found a Buddhist temple in SW19 the perfect place to do so.

Born a week apart
Murray and Djokovic met on the court as eleven year olds

He and Murray met as Juniors and their superpower rivalry is relatively new in comparison to their longstanding friendship. They have had four head to head contests in Grand Slam finals, at which they have each picked up two trophies. Djokovic has yet to beat Murray on the green grass at Wimbledon.

Both players have revealed their 'secrets'. Both know how important it is to truly relax, in order to maximise their focus during their long matches which demand as much psychological stamina as athletic brilliance.

But whilst their game strategy might confuse those of us who rarely pick up a tennis racquet, and have yet to play on grass, there is nothing particularly complex about the holistic approach that is central to the repertoire of both players.

"When we are all retired the four of us will go to a bar, drink too much beer,

and look back on all the great matches we've had."

Novac Djokovic (referring to himself, Murray, Federer and Nadal)

There is no trickery. It stands to reason: in order to be at the top of your game, you have to know when to come off-game. The all-important difference between doing and being. It's my guess that both Andy and Novac know how to shift between the two efficiently. Surviving the hectic grand-slam atmosphere demands it.

Andy's game has come on in leaps and bounds. His psychologist emphasises the importance of mind and body working together. He has highlighted the importance of routine (or even ritual) - finding something that 'works' and then practising it, consistently. He also makes reference to the inherent paradox of winning - focusing on anything but the outcome.

The players he coaches are coached in the skills of remaining present, and taking their games task by task - moment by moment. This is the only way to be truly responsive. He warns that the winner's mind is not an empty mind, but one that is filled with the right thoughts. I like and respect his approach which makes a great deal of sense. Methinks that were we ever to meet, there'd be no shortage of conversation...