It occurred to me that it would benefit me to play without emotion - well, without emotion others could see, anyway. Card players profited from having a poker face so opponents wouldn't know how good or bad their hand was, and I figured a deadpan expression would work in tennis, too.
This quote highlights the power of emotional control in competitive environments. Adopting a poker face or deadpan expression allows players to mask their true feelings and intentions, creating a psychological advantage over opponents. Such restraint requires discipline and self-awareness, enabling athletes to stay focused and prevent opponents from gaining insights into their mindset or strategy. This approach emphasizes that external expressions can be just as crucial as technical skill, often influencing the mental game as much as physical ability. Mastering emotional neutrality can be a pivotal factor in high-stakes situations, fostering confidence and composure under pressure.
