Introduction: Break the Cycle of Defeat
Do you keep facing the same opponent and losing, no matter how hard you try? If you want to stop losing to the same opponent, it’s time to rethink your strategy. This situation is more common than you think—and with the right adjustments in your game and mindset, you can turn things around.
1. Analyse Their Playing Style
The first step to beating a recurring rival is understanding them thoroughly. Watch their behaviour in different scenarios: are they aggressive on return? Do they prefer cross-court shots? Do they avoid the net or dominate it?
Spot Their Patterns
Many players rely on instinctive, repeated patterns. If you learn to anticipate these, you gain a real advantage. Take mental or written notes about how they start each point, what they do under pressure, and the areas of the court they use most.
Useful Tip:
Play a match with the sole aim of studying their game, without worrying about the result. That knowledge will be your most powerful weapon next time.
Remember:
Studying your opponent isn’t just for professionals. The more you know, the fewer surprises await you.
2. Change Your Tactical Routine
If you always play the same way, the outcome will likely be the same. Your opponent may already know your strengths and weaknesses. Adding even small variations can throw them off balance.
Break the Rhythm
Mix up the pace, change shot directions, or come to the net more often. Making your opponent uncomfortable brings you one step closer to winning.
Tactical Tip:
Don’t aim for perfection on every point. Focus on disrupting their rhythm and forcing mistakes, especially in key moments.
Interesting Fact:
Most amateur players lose not because of difficult shots, but because they repeat the same patterns too often.
3. Improve Your Competitive Mindset
Repeated losses can dent your confidence. Shifting your mental approach is just as important as refining your technique. Confidence is essential if you want to stop losing to the same opponent. Mental preparation is often the silent key to victory.
Visualise a Different Outcome
Before the match, picture yourself winning. See yourself staying calm, executing well and celebrating key points. Positive visualisation reduces anxiety and improves focus.
Use Inner Phrases
During the match, repeat phrases that help you stay focused: “point by point”, “just the next shot”, “I can turn this around”. Avoid thoughts like “here we go again”.
Important:
Your opponent doesn’t control your attitude. That’s something only you can change.
4. Strengthen Your Specific Weaknesses
Losing to the same player often comes down to one or two weaknesses they exploit. Identify them—and work on them directly.
Don’t Only Train What You’re Good At
If they beat you with lobs, work on your smash. If they target your backhand, reinforce that shot. The most effective improvement comes from solving real problems.
Practical Suggestion:
Do specific training sessions with a coach or partner who simulates those pressure situations. Recreating match scenarios will help you adapt better.
Be Patient:
Fixing a weakness takes time—but each step forward gets you closer to your goal.
5. Learn from Every Loss and Adjust
No progress without learning. Every defeat hides an opportunity—if you know how to reflect on it. Write down what worked, what didn’t, and how you responded emotionally. This way, you’ll return with a stronger plan.
Post-Match Review
Don’t just finish the match and forget it. Take a few minutes to mentally revisit the key points and how you might have handled them differently.
Match Diary
Keeping a small record of your matches helps spot recurring issues and measure real progress against that specific opponent.
Small Details Matter:
Many players improve simply by learning to reflect after each match. That’s your edge—if you choose to use it.
Conclusion: The Change Begins With You
It’s not about being better than your rival in every aspect, but about being smarter and better prepared. If you apply these five keys—observe, vary, believe, train and learn—you’ll be well on your way to stop losing to the same opponent. Real progress isn’t always reflected on the scoreboard—it shows in your ability to evolve every time you step on court.