I always like to think I’m better then the other guy, no matter what. It gives me the confidence to play my best (i.e. there’s no way I’m loosing to this guy).

I see so many people crumble under pressure (botched second serve on break point is such a typical one) and I follow my opponent’s mental state and that takes my mind of mine and it makes me feel in control as I can predict when they will play well and when they will play more cautiously. That helps me pace my game.

Remember if you’re winning it’s time to go even faster and crush your opponent, but so many people become complacent and loose the momentum. Think of it like a short ball, you have to kill it, you’re not gonna stand at the baseline and wait for it to bounce twice now are you. And also remember in tennis, if you’re not winning you’re loosing, even if you’re ahead. You still have to reach the finish line before the other guy. You really shouldn’t be standing around waiting for him to catch up with you.