i've gotten the nerves

Every time I play a match this one feeling stops my feet from moving, cuts my train of thought, and changes my shots and my actions. This feeling is nervousness.

When I have this feeling, I always think ahead of myself. I would think, "If she wins this game, she'll win the next one and I'll be down." It's difficult to control this emotion, and it's hard to stop this nervous feeling when it takes control of you.

My brother Emo finishing his match.

I always thought the players that are playing are the only ones who are feeling nervous. But, watching my brother play today, I realize that's not true. ​I feel like I was playing the match myself. I could feel his nervousness. Because of that, I was encouraging him to calm himself down. 

​I realize that nervousness is a common feeling for everyone who are in a pressured situation, and we have to find a way to deal with it. 

My brother Emo with my friend Katiana.

My brother Emo with Samuel Diaz.

What do I do to help calm my nerves during a tennis match? 

​I would turn around take deep breaths between points, jump as high as I can a couple times so I can activate my legs and I ask myself, "Why am I playing this tournament? Why am I playing this match? Why am I playing tennis?" I would answer myself, "Because I love it; because it's in my heart; and, because it's who I am."

Winning or losing a tennis match doesn't matter, but knowing and understanding yourself is a match that I must've gotten the nerves to win.

Lot's of love,
Karina Zaharieva