At 4-5 1st set, 30-30, Djoko lost his COOL on a line call. A common mental toughness mistake?

On what would've given Djoko a break point on Nadal's serve, a line call was called out on Nadal's far forehand side. The linesperson called it out, but the chair umpire called for a replay. Djoko immediately complained and never recovered mentally. He lost the next two points badly and smashed his racquet on the net post. Djoko never seemed to recover from that point on.

Most sports psychologists would say Djoko's response was a mental error. The response most suggested in these situations is to walk away from the point and find a way to relax. A common situation in tournaments and league matches for sure, even at the pro level, the mental mistake of continued outrage, disappointent and loss of self composure are bound to result, if not carefully managed.

How many of you think Djoko could've overcome the line call differently or was he right in being outraged to that degree?

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Permalink Reply by Hal Wagner on May 21, 2012 at 8:35pm

He needs to keep his cool, part of the pro game to have replay o over rules. I think he is still a little emotionally raw from family issue so he just lost his mojo momentarily.

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Permalink Reply by Tim Prapong on May 21, 2012 at 9:16pm

Djoko has this thing with his body language where he is squeezing between his eyes with his fingers. Then he blows out air like he's under duress. He clearly looked nervous to me. Well, maybe you're right, Hal. He doesn't seem fully mojo'd.