Grand Prix Hassan II, Marrakech

[32] Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) vs. [59] Jan-Lennard Struff (GER)

Some players are extroverts and for them, telegraphing their thoughts and feelings either verbally or by their emotional expressions serve to motivate them; whereas other players are more introverted and no matter what’s going on they maintain an expression of calm.  The casual observer may be fooled into thinking that they have little interest in the score; yet, they are quite aware if they are winning or losing.  Perhaps it is in defiance to the chaos around them that they stay calm, conserving their energy for the battle ahead of them.  They have probably learned from experience that being as expressive as their more emotive opponent negatively affects their game.

Kohlschreiber is the male player that comes to mind when I think calm.  He never seems rattled and also never seems passionate about winning; yet, that is in total contrast to what he is feeling.  He wants to win just as badly as his opponent but for him, staying calm allows him to channel his energy into his shots.  Today was the first time I have ever seen him rattled, perhaps because he was playing a fellow countryman and he was the number one seed and expected to win.  After losing the first and coming close to losing the second, he remembered that he had won their only previous encounter on clay and got a boost of confidence to battle on.  Struff played some brilliant tennis but lost his focus at the end of the second set, allowing Kohlschreiber to regain his confidence and gain the 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 victory.

His expression in the photo shows just how passionate he is and what it meant to win.

SOURCE OF IMAGE: Bing search