Walk Tall

I was heading for work the other day when I saw a car in front without a driver. Now that is seriously scary so, being the hero I am, I drew up alongside, hoping to perform some sort of RAF rescue mission.

As it turned out, the driver was barely 4 ft 2 inch tall, and aged around 102 years.

Without going into detail, over the past couple of weeks life has not been too kind to me. Consequently, I seemed to have slipped further and further down the driving seat - to the outside observer I probably portray some sort of middle aged boy racer - or perhaps the "driverless car" as described above.

It's true that when life gets a bit tough we tend to slouch, almost as if we are carrying the world on our shoulders. The same of course applies on the tennis court when we are having a bad day.

Away before my time, an Irish singer called Val Doonican sat on a rocking chair and and told us to "walk tall, walk straight and look the world right in the eye". Wise words indeed. (He also wore a knitted cardigan which I wouldn't risk unless your name's Federer).

Have you ever noticed the way that World no 3 Novak Djokovic moves about court. His posture is superb, portraying an air of confidence and assurance, even when losing. Maria Sharapova is the same.

So here's my tip as we move into a new year. Between points, visualise yourself as Djokovic or Sharapova, with a straight back and an air of confidence. It can work wonders for your game (and indeed your whole outlook in life)

All the best everyone for 2009