The Jensen Zone: A Businesslike Approach … Both on and off the Court

December 10, 2015 | By Luke Jensen
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Hey fans of Roger Federer … this installment of “The Jensen Zone” is for you!

Even if you do not have Federer as your favorite player, it is easy to respect the Swiss champion and his approach to sportsmanship, competition and appreciation for the game he plays. One thing that makes me sad is that once Federer and Rafael Nadal retire, kids will lose two great role models on how to approach reaching one’s fullest potential.

There has never been a combination with so much success at such a high level. Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova are the closest on the WTA Tour. Opposites in so many ways, but reaching the same level of commitment and full personal potential. The results in titles is the first thing people I mention about the greatest duo of all time, but I like to drill deeper into the approach each champion has. How do they convey and show confidence in every aspect of their lives? It starts on the lonely practice courts, putting in their time, putting in the reps, stroke after stroke, finding and honing their rhythm, timing, placement, consistency and power in their quest to find their optimal performance zone.

When I cover players as a TV analyst, it is very similar to the way I would scout my opponents when I competed on the ATP Tour. I went to the practice courts and watched, studied tendencies and developed game plans against my competitors for the next match and plans for future meetings. I know that, on the ATP and WTA Tour, every player in that locker room, from the first round of qualies to the finals, is there to take YOUR money! That means you must do your prep work. From practice sessions to watching endless matches helped me prepare to win the critical momentum swing points in the matches I would play.

Federer and Nadal are two players I have really enjoyed and admired, because they always seem to be prepared to compete with a sound game plan against anyone they meet in any round. Next time you watch them on TV, go beyond the explosive rallies and world-class shots. Do you see patterns and small adjustments being made throughout the match?

I see Rafa and his routines—with his water bottles, the tugs and brushing back of his hair. I see Roger projecting a business-like approach when he walks onto court. When Fed sets up his side of the court, he sets it up like an office for the next couple of hours, ready to close on a big financial deal. His jacket is neatly placed in the seat next to him, with his racquet bag in profile so the cameras can capture the racquet sponsor while he is on a changeover.

Everything is calculated, and everything is finely tuned. My question, no matter what level you play at is: Are you tuned in? What is your competitive preparedness and frequency. I found over my playing and coaching career that I had won about 80 percent of my matches because it was clear that I was more prepared than my opponent. My teams were more fit and that meant we would win more three-set matches. My players were coached to project confidence, while most opponents projected fear. Not to mention, I also focused on purpose. The goal is the win, to grind and attack the opponents from the first ball to the final swing.

The passing of the torch will come over the next five or so pro tour seasons, with the exit of Fed, Rafa, Djoker, The Williams Sisters and The Bryan Brothers. Who will be the next great role model?

Tennis has never seen so many historically outstanding tennis producing champions. Let's take it all in while it lasts and see how we can incorporate the values of these champions into our competitive and developing games.

Your game is only as good as the confidence you put into it.


Luke Jensen

Raised in Ludington , Mich., Luke Jensen’s resume includes 10 ATP Tour doubles titles and singles/doubles victories against Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Ivan Lendl, John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, Jim Courier, Patrick Rafter, Michael Stitch. Jensen and his brother, Murphy, won the 1993 French Open doubles title. He was also a member of the US Davis Cup Teams that reaches the finals in 1991 and won in 1992. His ambidextrous play, including his ability to serve the ball with either hand at 130 mph, earned him the nickname “Dual Hand Luke.” Luke is currently director of racquet sports at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, N.Y.. He may be reached by phone at (315) 403-0752 or e-mail lukejensen84@yahoo.com.

 

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