Woodbridge: One final push in the season

How much emphasis should we put on the end of the year? And not just this year but every year? Because, really, for most of the pros the tennis season is over.

There is still a lot to be played and there’s an opportunity for a lot of people. But at some point in the year the top guys have to switch off.

From now through to the end of November there is a huge opportunity for guys who have had a poor year or are on the comeback trail – like Grigor Dimitrov or even Rafa Nadal – to get some wins in Asia and on the indoor circuit. Those wins will help to build their ranking and / or boost their confidence going into 2017.

But during this period a lot of players switch on to autopilot – I’ve been there. You hit the wall mentally and you’re thinking ‘I’ve got all of this to go and I have to hang in’.

That’s the feeling around the locker room, too. The indoor season / end of the year is a time when you can’t do much work. There are no practice courts and limited warm-ups, limited court time to go out and work on your game. So if you’re struggling and want to work, you can’t.

When you train you try to get your body up to 90% of your max fitness levels. Throughout the year that level drops. Your match fitness level remains good, but other things – like strength and conditioning training – will fall away.

There’s also all this mental stuff that goes on, and you’re looking to get to that last tournament and go home and start afresh.

That’s why it’s a great opportunity for some of the players who need to get points or confidence. For them, it’s about keeping your headspace clear and positive, meaning that they can finish the year strong.