Five Mental Toughness Tips

On Tuesday, Dinara Safina very nearly became the first #1 seed ever to lose in the opening round of the US Open, committing 48 unforced errors and 11 double faults. Only the 65 unforced errors and 13 double faults of her 167th-ranked opponent, Olivia Rogowska of Australia, allowed her to escape 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4. You wouldn't want to have been eating while watching, as the match exuded nervousness. The mind has a more powerful role in tennis than in most other sports, and it can make tennis painful. Here are five tips to help keep your mind on the helpful side.

Photo Study of Dinara Safina's Strokes