I had an amazing week at the US Open, catching up with the tennis world, and also a few players who are enrolled in my study.

Reflecting on this trip, there was one thing that I wanted to share with you. I’ve certainly changed my mind on it as I’ve gotten deeper into sport and performance psychology, and I hope if you thought otherwise, that today’s message from me changes yours.

This pill is the hardest to swallow for junior, recreational, collegiate, and even professional tennis players. Part of the sauce that creates the stigma around mental performance is that many individuals who suffer, suffer in silence. They are worried about voicing their concerns, think that they’re all alone, or even think that they are the only ones who couldn’t get a simple forehand into the court that they’ve drilled thousands of times.

Well, I want to make it clear to you, this is not true! Even the players you see on TV, playing at tour, challenger, and ITF levels have mental roadblocks, things that set them off, or have mental skills they are not great at.

How do I know this? Because of my research.

If you don’t recall, I’m trialing a hybrid mindfulness and cognitive behavioral intervention on elite tennis players. In other words, I’m consulting with some of these players as part of my research.

When they do open up, they share much the same concerns that you or I may have. Don’t believe me? Here’s what’s been shared with me—with identifying features removed.

Keep in mind, that these are all anecdotes shared from ATP, WTA, and ITF players. Some of whom are in the top 100 and 500.

These are world-class players!

Does that give you solace?

Does that make you reflect?

I hope it does.

And I wish I’d known this when I was younger and playing and struggling.

For some reason, people have strange conceptions whenever it comes to mental side of performance and psychology. One of these conceptions is that those at the top of the game don’t have the same issues that we do.

That’s the approach I had initially.

Wow. She’s ranked 214 in the world. She must be so good on the mental side.

No. Not really.

(You don’t need to look up that player. That’s a random ranking I made. I’m not breaking confidentiality.)

So be kind to yourself.

Understand that you’re not alone.

Everyone struggles.

And that you’re human.

Just like the players you see on TV.

P.S. a bit of a shorter missive from me this time. I’m having a hard think about The Short Set and how much time it takes up to create, and brainstorming different ways to stay in touch without taking up so much of my time. As I head deeper into applied sport and performance psychology, my research load has increased along with other commitments. Have any ideas for me? I want to hear them. Just write back.

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed psychologist, mental health counselor, PsyD, or clinical PhD. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology and am a sport psychology practitioner-in-training, working toward the Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC®) credential provided by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). My work focuses on applied, non-clinical mental performance consulting, using evidence-based techniques grounded in psychology, counseling, sport science, and applied sport psychology to help athletes enhance focus, manage pressure, build confidence, and improve performance. I do not provide mental health counseling or clinical therapy. When needed, I will always refer clients to licensed mental health professionals for concerns beyond the scope of performance consulting. I have over 20 years of experience in tennis, including as a player, collegiate and professional coach, and director of programs. I am certified by the Professional Tennis Registry and am a member of Tennis Australia. My goal is to bring athletes the best research-backed insights to support long-term development and performance. If you are a researcher or practitioner and feel I’ve misunderstood or misrepresented any concept, I welcome you to reach out, and I will gladly review and issue corrections if appropriate.