Bianca Andreescu is Canada’s new star. This year she went from 152nd seed tennis amateur to women’s tennis 4th seed champion, winning the Rogers Cup and becoming Canada’s first grand slam singles champion at the U.S. Open. At just 19 years of age she advanced to the front page of Canadian media.
When asked how she succeeded, she commented on visualization and meditation. “I put myself in situations I think can happen in a match, basically (speaking about meditation). I think your biggest weapon is to be as prepared as you can.” She began meditating at an early age and visualizing tennis scenarios in her mind. “I really think that working your mind (is important) because at this level everyone knows how to play tennis. The thing that separates the best from the rest is just the mindset.” She believes this practice has helped her do the following, “When I’m on the court, in front of these big stages, I’m really good at just blocking everything and staying in the zone.” As a former athlete I know how important it is to stay focused on the game. Andresscu is not the only one this has worked for. During the cold war, an individual named Natan Sharansky spent many years in prison. During this time, he made the best of his situation by playing himself in mental chess, saying: “I might as well use the opportunity to become the world champion!” Surprisingly, Sharansky won the chess world championships in 1996. Some athletes who have also used visualization to achieve success include, Tiger Woods, Muhammad Ali, Roy Halladay, and many more. Research shows that mental practices can enhance motivation, increase confidence, improve motor control, prime your brain for success and help you stay in the zone. This is because our brains interpret imagery as equivalent to a real-life action. The brain cannot tell the difference. Therefore, you are gaining experience without actually experiencing it.
Visualization however, does not guarantee success. It is meant to be an addition to hard work and practice. Bianca used visualization, but she also trained very very hard.
You cannot prepare for everything though, at the WTA tournament in China, Bianca injured her knee. Her coach is working with doctors to get her healthy, “We’re seeing a few doctors now and it looks like she’s going to need some time off and she’s going to need rehab. But it seems like it will hopefully be under control and it’s not going to be something that’s going to be too serious. So hopefully that’s the case.” We would all like to see Bianca back on the court as soon as possible. Despite her injury, she managed to make it to the lighting of the Eaton Centre Christmas tree. And what she said really proves the success of her year, “I remember actually coming last year to watch this being lit up,” she told CBC Toronto, “Now being able to do it is really incredible.” What a fantastic year she’s had. By David Buckley
How To Do Visualization:
If you think visualization will help you achieve your goals, here is how to do it:
Create a vivid mental picture of yourself succeeding
Envision what you must do during each step of the process. Bianca Andreescu says, “I put myself in situations I think can happen in a match, basically.”