In the 2019 Men's Singles final at Wimbledon, Roger Federer won more games, won more points, and was better in every statistical category, except one, in his epic loss to Novak Djokovic. And that was unforced errors. It's because some points are more important than others, it is the order in which you win them that counts.

 

So, in this video we are going to show why sometimes it is better for you to play with a different purpose in mind, even if you end up losing the point!

 

The most important point you could play is when you are match point down. If you don't win that point you are taking a shower real soon! The first point of the match is the least important, and there are many degrees of importance in between!

 

Break-of-serve points (or Break Points as they are called) are a big deal, especially in the later stages of a set, and even more so in a final set! Points that could get us to a break point are also important. Likewise Hold points and those that could get us to those points require our attention!

 

These 'Pivotal Points' should be played based on all the information we have learned so far in the match. We would be wise to play shots in patterns and combinations that have the best percentage chance of winning us the point! And to come up with these answers we have had to play some 'Testing Points' on those not-so-important ones!

 

A 'Testing Point' is where you give your opponent different shots, different looks, with the view to spotting strengths and weaknesses, especially important when facing an unknown adversary!

 

What kind of things to test? One of the first things I like to test is their 'ideal contact height'. Hit different height balls to your opponent. Which height balls do they hit back best? Between the knee and the waist? How about shoulder height? Do it for both forehand and backhand sides.

 

Also, hit the ball down the middle, it may show you which is their preferred side. If they take a middle ball as a backhand ( presuming a right-hander) then maybe that's their go-to shot under pressure.

 

Another thing I like to test early on is their susceptibility to being pressured on their second serve. When they have to hit a second serve, make sure they see you move in much closer to return this serve. How did they react? Didn't even notice? Noticed, rose to the challenge and hit a very aggressive serve? Or did they choke and double fault?

 

Knowing this could be very important on a big point in the final stages of the match. It is an easy way to win a big point on their serve if they do the latter.

 

Another thing to try, test their patience. How many balls can they hit in a row before trying to win the point? Usually it is a function of their fitness level. Many people have patterns but they are not aware they do. For example, I play doubles with a guy who likes to hit 2 cross court shots, if they come back he says to himself : 'Well, that didn't work so I 'll hit it straight at the net player!' He does this 9 times out of 10. Great if I am his partner, but not so great for him if I am the guy opposite him at the net. I know what is coming!

 

Some players have amazing patience, and will keep hitting the same shots, daring you to be the one to change the direction, or go for the winner! It's nice to know what you are up against, to help you if it gets close at the end.

 

Let me give you another example: a 'Fatigue Point'

You sense your opponent may not be as fit as you are. He can match you stroke for stroke, but today, for whatever reason, he seems not to have the stamina he usually does. Would it not serve you better, especially on a non-pivotal point, to keep him running by prolonging the rally, to tire him out, even if you could have hit an easy winner early on?

 

Here's another example:a 'Practice Point'. Let's say you feel in the warm-up you are not timing your backhand as well as you would like. Would it not be more beneficial to you to prolong some rallies to give you the chance to hit more backhands so when it comes to the latter stages of the match you can hit them with confidence?

 

Everyone has certain patterns that work best for them. What is very satisfying is to 'Lay a false Trail' as I call it!

 

Here's an example: You hit an approach shot to their forehand get to the net and they pass you with a topspin forehand cross court. Great! Next time you approach to the forehand, maybe on a relatively unimportant point, make like you anticipate a down the line pass although you expect them to try crosscourt again. They hit the crosscourt winner. Shake your head like you can't understand where they are going to hit the pass.

 

Now on a really big point approach to the forehand. He is thinking 'I'll go crosscourt again, he can't read it!' You know where they are going to hit in advance, gives you a better chance to move to it! Doesn't always work , but it feels great when you pull it off!

 

In all these cases you may lose the point, but your advantage is you have learned something that might make all the difference on those very important points at the sharp end of the match!

 

So to recap: It may not be in your best interest to always try to win the point as quickly as you can. Use the less important points to 'feel your opponent out', see what they've got. See how much stamina or patience they possess; check out their preferred shots, probe for weaknesses; do they tighten up under pressure? Are they predictable? Anyway there is only one point that you need to win. And that's the last one!

 

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