Building a clear vision of who you want to become is the first step to actually becoming that person.

The best athletes in the world don’t wait to win before they feel like winners.
They already carry themselves as champions — long before the trophies come.

This is one of the most powerful but invisible habits of high performers:
 They see their future self, and start acting like them now.

 Visualize Yourself 12 Months From Now:

·You serve with power and fluidity

·You stay calm under pressure

·You don’t collapse after a break or a mistake

·You’re respected for your attitude and effort

Now ask yourself:
 How does that version of you train?
 How does they behave during tough matches?
 How do they treat others on and off court?

 The 4 Pillars of Clarity to Shape Your Future Self

·Self-Identity
Who are you, beyond being a tennis player?
What values do you embody — grit, honesty, humility?
True performance starts from a solid inner core, not just the will to win.
 “Success is being true to yourself.” – John Wooden

·Social Identity
Tennis isn’t just about technique — it’s about relationships.
What do you want others to feel when they see you play?
How do you want to impact your coach, your team, your opponents?
Champions lift the environment around them.
 “Respect is a silent victory that lasts.” – Rafael Nadal

·Skill Development
What concrete skills do you want to improve?
Write them down. Schedule them. Train them — consistently.
 Your future self will only exist if your present self works toward it.

 For example:

·Mental training 2x/week

·Match practice with focus on closing out leads

·Daily stretching and recovery routine

·Purpose Beyond Self
Elite athletes don’t train only for themselves.
They find deeper meaning in what they do — to inspire, lead, contribute.
That sense of purpose fuels them when motivation runs low.
 “There’s no great athlete who plays just for themselves.” – Novak Djokovic

 ACT AS IF YOU ALREADY ARE THAT PLAYER

Don’t wait to be “good enough” to behave like a pro.
Start now:
 Pay attention to the little details
 Show up early
 Give full effort in every drill
 Show integrity, even when your opponent doesn’t

Live today as the player you want to become tomorrow.
That’s how you close the gap between who you are and who you dream of being.

by Federico Coppini
https://coppinitennisacademy.com/