Tennis Psychology: Building Mental Toughness in a Demanding Sport

Tennis, unlike many other sports, tests athletes mentally in unique ways. For instance unlike football, where players have teammates, substitutions, referees, and set time limits, tennis players face the game alone. There are no substitutions, no timeouts, and often, especially in youth matches no referee. Therefore, this intense, solitary environment demands exceptional mental resilience, quick decisions, and the ability to stay focused under pressure.

Roberto’s Work at Bromley Tennis Academy

Since 2003, Roberto has played a key role at the Bromley Tennis Academy. Notably, this LTA High-Performance Centre, founded by Clint Harris, focuses on training elite youth players aged 8 to 18. As a performance consultant and sports psychologist, Roberto has consistently helped young athletes develop the necessary mental skills to thrive. Consequently, his expertise has been crucial in preparing players for the sport’s intense challenges.

Leading Performance Psychology for the LTA (2007-2009)

From 2007 to 2009, Roberto served as the National Performance Psychology Manager for the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). In this position he worked with the UK's brightest talents including Andy Murray, Laura Robson (who won Junior Wimbledon during this time), James Ward, and Johanna Konta. Moreover, he collaborated closely with the LTA’s elite coaches to integrate psychological strategies into their training programs. As a result, this approach not only enhanced player performance but also strengthened coaching techniques.

Roberto's focus on mental toughness, confidence, and performance under pressure has significantly boosted British tennis at the highest levels.

What makes a winner?

The voices at the LTA give their views