The Usage of Neuropriming with Athletes Seeking Peak Performance

Neuropriming is a technique that uses electrical stimulation to enhance the brain's plasticity, or ability to change. This can be done in a variety of ways, but some of the most common types of neuropriming include:

• Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS): This is a non-invasive technique that uses electrodes to deliver a weak electrical current to the brain. tDCS has been shown to improve cognitive function, motor performance, and pain relief.

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): This is a more invasive technique that uses a magnetic field to induce an electrical current in the brain. TMS has been shown to be effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other neurological disorders.

• Optogenetics: This technique uses light to activate specific neurons in the brain. Optogenetics has been used to study the neural basis of learning and memory, and it has the potential to be used to treat neurological disorders.

There are many different types of neuropriming, but some of the most common include:

• Motor priming: This type of neuropriming is used to improve motor performance. For example, tDCS has been shown to improve reaction time and accuracy in tasks such as tennis and golf.

• Cognitive priming: This type of neuropriming is used to improve cognitive function. For example, TMS has been shown to improve working memory and attention.

• Pain priming: This type of neuropriming is used to reduce pain. For example, tDCS has been shown to reduce chronic pain in patients with conditions such as fibromyalgia and back pain.

There are many different types of neuropriming, but some of the most common include:

• Motor priming: This type of neuropriming is used to improve motor performance. For example, tDCS has been shown to improve reaction time and accuracy in tasks such as tennis and golf.

• Cognitive priming: This type of neuropriming is used to improve cognitive function. For example, TMS has been shown to improve working memory and attention.

• Pain priming: This type of neuropriming is used to reduce pain. For example, tDCS has been shown to reduce chronic pain in patients with conditions such as fibromyalgia and back pain.

There are two other specific modalities in which neuropriming is used to enhance: visual neuropriming and auditory neuropriming.

Visual neuropriming involves using images or videos to prime the brain. For example, an athlete might be shown a picture of a successful free throw before taking a shot. This can help to improve their accuracy by priming their brain to expect success.

Auditory neuropriming involves using sounds to prime the brain. For example, an athlete might be given a specific word or phrase to repeat before performing a task. This can help to improve their performance by priming their brain to focus on the task at hand.

Here are some specific examples of visual neuropriming:

• Seeing a picture of a successful free throw before taking a shot.

• Watching a video of a top athlete performing a skill perfectly.

• Looking at a graph that shows your progress over time.

Here are some specific examples of auditory neuropriming:

• Repeating a mantra or affirmation before performing a task.

• Listening to a motivational speech or song.

• Hearing the sound of a metronome or heartbeat.

Here are some specific examples of how neuropriming has been used:

• **In a study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, researchers used tDCS to improve the performance of professional golfers. The golfers who received tDCS showed significant improvement in their putting accuracy.

• **In a study published in the journal Brain, researchers used TMS to improve the performance of athletes with chronic pain. The athletes who received TMS showed significant improvement in their pain tolerance and performance.

• **In a study published in the journal Nature, researchers used optogenetics to improve the performance of mice in a maze task. The mice that received optogenetics showed significantly faster learning and memory.

These are just a few examples of how neuropriming has been used. The technology is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to be used to improve the performance of athletes in a variety of sports.

The latest news in neuropriming with elite athletes is that it is becoming increasingly popular, with more and more athletes using it to improve their performance. One of the most well-known athletes who used neuropriming is Tom Brady, the retired quarterback for the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady has said that he used neuropriming to help him stay sharp and focused during games. Other elite athletes who use or used neuropriming include Serena Williams, LeBron James, and Usain Bolt.

A study published in the journal Brain Stimulation in 2019 found that neuropriming can improve athletic performance by up to 45%. The study looked at a group of elite athletes who used neuropriming for 8 weeks. The athletes who used neuropriming showed significant improvements in their strength, power, and speed.

Another study, published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience in 2020, found that neuropriming can improve motor learning. The study looked at a group of participants who were learning a new motor skill. The participants who used neuropriming were able to learn the skill more quickly and efficiently than the participants who did not use neuropriming.

These studies suggest that neuropriming is a promising new way to improve athletic performance. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the long-term effects of neuropriming.

Here are some other athletes who are using neuropriming:

• Simone Biles, Olympic gymnast

• Rafael Nadal, tennis player

• Lindsey Vonn, alpine skier

• Stephen Curry, NBA basketball player

• Alex Morgan, soccer player

• Roger Federer, tennis player

• Jordan Spieth, golfer

• Katie Ledicky, swimmer

Here are some specific examples of how neuropriming is being used by elite athletes:

• Serena Williams: Williams uses neuropriming to improve her reaction time and accuracy. She wears a headset that sends electrical pulses to her motor cortex, which helps her to fire her muscles more quickly and precisely.

• Roger Federer: Federer uses neuropriming to improve his focus and concentration. He wears a headset that helps him to block out distractions and stay in the present moment.

• Jordan Spieth: Spieth uses neuropriming to improve his power and endurance. He wears a headset that helps him to recruit more muscle fibers during his workouts.

• Katie Ledecky: Ledecky uses neuropriming to improve her swimming technique. She wears a headset that helps her to visualize her perfect stroke.

• Stephen Curry: Curry uses neuropriming to improve his shooting accuracy. He wears a headset that helps him to focus on the target and release the ball at the perfect moment.

These are just a few examples of how neuropriming is being used by elite athletes. The technology is still in its early stages, but it is showing great potential to help athletes reach new levels of performance.

It is important to note that neuropriming is not a miracle cure. It is a tool that can be used to improve performance, but it is not a guarantee of success. Athletes who use neuropriming still need to train hard and be dedicated to their sport.

For more on mental conditioning, enroll in our new online, self-paced course developed by Psychogenyx:  Strengthening Your Mental Core. 

Unveiling the Sleep Hygiene Protocols for Elite Athletes

Achieving peak performance as an athlete requires more than just physical training and talent. Adequate sleep and effective recovery strategies play a crucial role in optimizing athletic performance. In this blog post, we will explore the sleep and recovery protocols followed by specific elite athletes, unveiling their secrets to success. These practical guidelines will help athletes at all levels unlock their full potential and maximize their performance.

1. LeBron James - NBA Superstar:

LeBron James, renowned for his incredible athleticism and longevity in the NBA, attributes a significant part of his success to proper sleep and recovery. His protocol includes:

a) Sleep duration: Aim for 8-9 hours of sleep per night to promote muscle recovery and mental clarity.

b) Regular sleep schedule: Maintain consistent bed and wake times to establish a healthy circadian rhythm.

c) Power naps: Incorporate short power naps (20-30 minutes) to enhance alertness and recharge during the day.

d) Quality sleep environment: Create a cool, dark, and quiet sleep environment for optimal rest.

2. Serena Williams - Tennis Champion:

Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, recognizes the importance of sleep and recovery in her training regimen. Her protocol includes:

a) Sleep hygiene: Prioritize winding down before bed by avoiding screens and engaging in relaxing activities like reading or meditation.

b) Compression therapy: Utilize compression garments or sleeves to enhance blood flow, reduce inflammation, and expedite muscle recovery.

c) Active recovery: Engage in light exercises or yoga to promote blood circulation and alleviate muscle soreness.

d) Hydration: Maintain proper hydration levels to aid in recovery and prevent cramping.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo - Soccer Icon:

Cristiano Ronaldo, a soccer phenomenon, is known for his extraordinary work ethic and dedication to maintaining peak physical condition. His sleep and recovery protocol includes:

a) Ice baths: Take ice baths or contrast showers to reduce muscle inflammation and promote faster recovery.

b) Sleep tracking: Utilize sleep tracking devices to monitor sleep quality and make necessary adjustments to optimize rest.

c) Proper nutrition: Fuel the body with nutrient-dense meals and incorporate sufficient protein intake to support muscle recovery.

d) Stretching and flexibility exercises: Prioritize stretching routines and yoga to enhance muscle flexibility, prevent injuries, and aid in recovery.

Additional Tips and Approaches to Sleep Hygiene

Sleep hygiene is crucial for athletes to optimize their performance and achieve a flow state. Here's a comprehensive sleep hygiene protocol for an elite athlete:

1. Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule:

   - Set a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, including weekends.

   - Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, depending on individual needs and recovery requirements.

2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment:

   - Make sure your sleep environment is comfortable, cool, dark, and quiet.

   - Invest in a high-quality mattress, pillows, and bedding that provide optimal support and comfort.

   - Use blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out any unwanted light.

   - Wear earplugs or use a white noise machine to minimize noise disturbances.

3. Establish a Relaxing Bedtime Routine:

   - Create a pre-sleep routine that helps signal your body and mind that it's time to wind down.

   - Avoid stimulating activities or electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) at least 30 minutes before bed.

   - Engage in calming activities such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, practicing relaxation techniques (deep breathing, meditation), or listening to soothing music.

4. Optimize Sleep Environment for Recovery:

   - Ensure your sleep environment promotes optimal recovery. Consider using recovery aids such as compression garments, hot/cold therapy, or relaxation tools

.

   - Consider using a sleep tracking device or app to monitor your sleep quality and make adjustments if necessary.

5. Manage Nutrition and Hydration:

   - Maintain a well-balanced diet and avoid heavy meals close to bedtime.

   - Stay adequately hydrated throughout the day, but limit fluid intake close to bedtime to avoid disruptive nighttime trips to the bathroom.

6. Limit Stimulants:

   - Minimize or avoid caffeine and other stimulants, particularly in the late afternoon and evening.

   - Be cautious of the effects of pre-workout supplements or energy drinks, as they may interfere with your ability to fall asleep.

7. Manage Stress and Mental Well-being:

   - Develop stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or journaling to help clear your mind before bed.

   - If you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious, seek support from a mental health professional who can provide guidance and coping strategies.

8. Establish a Sleep-Friendly Exercise Routine:

   - Engage in regular physical activity, but avoid intense exercise close to bedtime, as it can stimulate the body and make it harder to fall asleep.

   - Consider incorporating relaxation exercises or stretching into your post-workout routine to promote physical and mental recovery.

The sleep and recovery protocols followed by elite athletes are key components in achieving and sustaining peak performance. By incorporating these practical guidelines into your own training regimen, you can enhance your athletic performance and overall well-being. Remember, sleep is not a luxury but a necessity for optimal performance. Give your body the rest it deserves, implement effective recovery strategies, and unlock your true potential as an athlete.

Remember, every athlete is unique, so it's important to personalize and adapt these guidelines to suit your specific needs and preferences. Regularly evaluate and adjust your sleep hygiene routine to optimize your performance and achieve a flow state.

Finally, it's important to consult with a trusted and qualified healthcare professional or sports specialist before implementing any new sleep or recovery protocols to ensure they align with your individual needs and circumstances. 

The Truth about Self-Confidence in Sports

One of the most over-used concepts in sports and performance psychology is self-confidence. Nevertheless, this concept holds considerable legitimacy and power as a key ingredient in success and winning in sports, politics, business, and life.

The limitations of this concept lies in the individualistic nature of its use.  When we think if self-confidence, our view remains within the confines of the individual athlete.  Though some sports are obviously team sports and some are individual sports, the burden to maximize self-confidence lies in the individual performer.

Individually, perhaps no one had more self-confidence that Muhammad Ali, an individual boxer. We consider professional tennis players Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, the Williams sisters, and Maria Sharapova to have supreme self-confidence.  At the team sport level, we have assumed for years that the Chicago Bulls lived off of the off-the-chart self-confidence of Michael Jordan. Most people believe, that the New England Patriots live off the self-confidence of  Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.  Andy Murray, the new men's Wimbledon champion, is the new poster boy for self-confidence.   

Regardless of the sport, mental conditioning coaches and sports psychologist talk about self-confidence and mental toughness primarily in individual terms and typically intervene at the individual level.  Though somewhat effective, perhaps the truth of confidence lies at the group or organization level and beyond.  Even individual athletes in individual sports have coaches, trainers, agents, caddies, families, etc.  

If self-confidence is affected by how unsure an individual feels as a result of each setback or barrier to success, then their individual mindset is the unit of measure.  This maintains the burden to remove that feeling on the individual, and, perhaps, his or her willing to be influenced by others (coaches, teammates, fans, etc,). The ultimate focus and burden lies on his self-confidence and his performance.  

Self-confidence is commonly defined as the sureness of feeling that the individual (even if a part of a team) is equal to his or her task at hand.  The media and the fans as well as coaches and players tend to see the problem of self-confidence to ultimately lie at the individual level.  

A better definition of confidence is one offered by Rosabeth Moss Kanter.  It is the ability to envision a positive outcome.  This definition of confidence does not contain the limits of the individual but focuses on the outcome.    

But let's look at this systemically.  What if confidence were not placed at the feet of individuals to be collected individually like bowling scores?  What if the real burden of confidence and success were shared by all of the major stakeholders of the team, the players and the coaches as a collective entity?  

What if there were a greater collective score, called Collective Team Confidence, multiplied by the alchemy of all stakeholders in the outcome of a practice session, a game or a season?  Then, confidence would not be held in small buckets with little influence or interaction with other amounts in other buckets. Confidence would be free to interact, to influence the entire team, as a whole through their collective sense of confidence.    

With this new mindset, the responsibility for the level of confidence and, therefore, performance, could placed at a higher level, a more effective level:  at the system level, the social or community level. What if we really begin locate, measure, and hold the larger entity with the responsibility and burden of performance?   Then, confidence would no longer be held at the level of the individual athlete.

For example, if an individual athlete were no longer the locus of confidence, he would also no longer individually responsible for exihibiting, maintaining, and evaluating their level of confidence at a micro level. What if their swagger or the vibe they project was no longer the measuring stick. What if their individual play, through the ebb and flow of individual performance, mistakes, missteps and moment-by-moment was no longer the unit of measure or all to praise or ridicule. What if confidence were managed at the macro level.    
Experts in the field have concluded that Confidence is effected by six factors:  

• Performance Accomplishments
• Involvement in the Success of Others
• Verbal persuasion
• Imagery Experiences
• Psychological States
• Emotional States

Performance accomplishments are the strongest contributor to sport confidence. However, if we only see this happening or only evaluate this factor at the individual level, through individual scores, individual statistics, and individual accomplishment, we leave much to chance and leave much collective confidence on the table. Particularly, only team success should breed confidence, while only repeated team failure should diminish it. Individual self-confidence would then have little to do with it.   

Individuals who experience success while being involved with the success of others can also significantly bolster collective confidence.  It is contagious, regardless of the individual talent levels of the teammates.  

Verbal persuasion involves attempting to change the attitudes and behavior of those around us, and this includes changing their self-confidence. In sports, coaches often try to boost confidence by convincing individual athletes that the challenge ahead is within their individual capabilities: ‘I know you’re a great player so keep your head up and play hard!’  However, if confidence is not centered on the individual but the collective group, the task is more manageable and, once again, relies on contagion.  

Imagery experiences have to do with athletes recreating multi-sensory images of successful performance in their mind. This imagery also should be team rather than individually focused. Imagery that is focused on the team is more likely to be successful and less dependent on the abilities of accurate evaluation by the individual. Through creating such valuable team mental representations, mastery of a particular team task is far more likely. 

If the responsibility for confidence mistakenly lies with the individual, then, the physiological state of anxiety can quickly reduce feelings of confidence.  This anxiety in turn can affect performance through phenomena such as muscular tension, palpitations and butterflies in the stomach.  The psychological and emotional states that negatively affect performance at the individual level can be controlled more easily if the responsibility for confidence lies with and is shared by the team and the entire organization.

When we look closely at the concept of confidence in this way, it is much easier to manage and master.  

Next time you consider Self-Confidence in sports, consider Collective Team Confidence instead.  

  


  

Serena Williams Having Fun at the French Open

"Just looking back at a few of my matches years ago and looking now, I definitely feel like I'm getting into that zone that I have always wanted to be in, and I feel a lot better about it.

"I have been playing a lot more tennis. I have been spending more time on the court.

"I felt this past year coming back I had nothing to lose and just really wanted to enjoy my career. In the past when I played I was always so stressed out and always wanted to win, win, win.

"And now I'm definitely having a lot more fun than what I used to have on the court and really enjoying every moment of me walking out there. So I think that definitely makes a big difference." 

--Serena Williams, discussing her mindset at the beginning of the French Open. 

On Tuesday, Serena reached the semifinals of the French Open by defeating fellow former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova at Stade Roland Garros.

The 31-year-old Williams held off the unseeded Kuznetsova, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, as the American overcame a 0-2 deficit in the final set.
Since last year's French Open which she did not win, Williams has lost only three of the 70 singles matches she has played, winning 10 tournaments, including Wimbledon and the Olympics.

The only surprise was the upset in the Australian Open quarter-finals, when she was beaten by fellow American Sloane Stephens, although an ankle injury was certainly a factor.

"Sometimes I think, 'Should I be happy that I lost last year?'.

"You never know what can happen in your career and why things happen.

"So it's been great for me just realizing that every match counts. I have always realized that, but also realizing what I need to do to get better and to stay on top and to be the best tennis player that I can be."

Roland Garros has not been a lucky venue for Williams, with her only title and only finals appearance coming 11 years ago, when she beat sister Venus.

"I just remember going into the final," she said. "I definitely didn't expect to win, so I think that made me really calm and really relaxed.

"I felt like, 'Okay, I'm not going to win this match, but I'm going to go out there and have fun'. Next thing I know I was winning.

"I won the first set, and I thought I could win it after that. So learning from that, I think I can learn about just how relaxed I was. I felt no pressure and no anything. I just felt really good."

Could her attitude lead to a French Open victory?  

Excerpts from foxnews.com (6/4/2013).

Newly Confident Sloane Stephens Upsets Serena Williams

“Last night I was thinking about it. And someone asked me, ‘Do you think you can win?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, I think so.’ But I wasn’t too clear about it, and this morning when I got up I was like, ‘Dude, you can do this. Go out and play and do your best.’ ”

 --Sloane Stephens, female professional tennis player, after upsetting Serena Williams in the 2013 Australian Open.

Stephens snapped Williams' 20-win streak 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 in two hours and 17 minutes. Stephens has never won a title of any kind. She beat the best player in the world to reach the semi-finals in Melbourne. She will meet Victoria Azarenka. She is the first American teenager to reach a semi-final of a grand slam event since Serena at the U.S. Open in 2001.

Excerpts from nytimes.com and theguardian.com (1/23/2013).

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Update: Serena Williams Amends Her Apology

Prior to her championship doubles match at the U.S. Open, Serena Williams issued this amendment on her blog:

Hey guys!!!

I want to amend my press statement of yesterday, and want to make it clear as possible - I want to sincerely apologize FIRST to the lines woman, Kim Clijsters, the USTA, and tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate outburst. I'm a woman of great pride, faith and integrity, and I admit when I'm wrong.

I need to make it clear to all young people that I handled myself inappropriately and it's not the way to act -- win or lose, good call or bad call in any sport, in any manner.

I like to lead by example. We all learn from experiences both good and bad. I will learn and grow from this, and be a better person as a result.

Xxxx,

S

Good.

For more on cheating and bad behavior in sports, click on Cheating and Bad Behavior.

Serena Williams Loses Her Cool

"If I could, I would take this ... ball and shove it down your ... throat."

--SerenaWilliams, in the heat of battle at the U.S. Open.

This tirade has been seen thousands of times on YouTube. This meltdown was unacceptable. It was totally out of line and inappropriate. All tennis players, established and aspiring, young and old, amateur and professional are watching. Everyone wants to see where the boundaries are set, where the limits of bad behavior lie.

On Saturday night, in the midst of a tense second set in the women’s semi-finals of the U. S. Open against Kim Clijsters, Serena Williams was called for her second foot fault of the match on a second serve at 5-6, 15-30. Defending champion Williams then walked toward the line judge, screaming, cursing and shaking a ball in the official's direction, threatening to "shove it down" her throat. Williams was penalized a point for unsportsmanlike conduct that gave a 6-4, 7-5 upset victory to unseeded, unranked Kim Clijsters.

When Williams was through yelling, Engzell called the linesperson to the chair. Following a brief chat, Engzell requested that tournament referee Brian Earley come onto the court.

Another discussion ensued, with Williams joining the mix. In the end, Williams was called for her second code violation of the match – this time for unsportsmanlike conduct. As tennis rules dictate, a player’s second code violation is a point penalty.

Since Williams’ point penalty came with the Williams serving at 15-40, the game was awarded to Clijsters. And since Clijsters led by a set and 6-5 at the time, the match was hers.

The U.S. Open officials who have earlier fined Serena for $500 for racket abuse in the same match, reporterd fine her $10,000 and gave indications that further penalties may be imposed on the player after the investigation over the entire incident is over.

“The grand slam rule book allows for an investigation to be conducted by the grand slam committee administrator to determine if the behavior of Ms Williams warrants consideration as a major offence, for which additional penalties can be imposed. This investigation has just now begun,” said referee Brian Earley in a statement.

Reports say that the WTA tour chief Stacey Allaster had reportedly termed Serena Williams’ behavior as both “inappropriate and unprofessional”. John McEnroe, reportedly said that Serena should be suspended for breaching the code of conduct. It had been reported that Williams had reportedly refused to apologize. She seemed quite unrepentant.

However, later, in a statement released by Serena, the player has reportedly said that she should have kept her cool during the altercation.

“Last night everyone could truly see the passion I have for my job. Now that I have had time to gain my composure, I can see that while I don’t agree with the unfair line call, in the heat of battle I let my passion and emotion get the better of me and as a result handled the situation poorly. I would like to thank my fans and supporters for understanding that I am human and I look forward to continuing the journey, both professionally and personally, with you all as I move forward and grow from this experience.”

--Serena Williams, in an apology.

Right after the match, Serena was in denial.

“I haven't been called for a foot fault all year until I got to New York, so maybe when I come to this tournament I have to step two feet back,” said Williams, whose first foot fault was called by a different linesperson in the sixth game of the second set.

“Kim played really well, and I think she came out with a really big plan,” said Williams. “I think that the next time we play I'll know a little bit more about her game, what to expect, and what to do.”

About 20 minutes following her tirade, a composed Williams said she likely foot-faulted.

“I'm pretty sure I did,” said Williams. “If she called a foot fault, she must have seen a foot fault. She was doing her job. I'm not going to knock her for not doing her job.

After the match, Williams did not acknowledge her poor sportsmanship. Asked in her postmatch news conference what she said to the line judge, Williams wouldn't say, replying, "What did I say? You didn't hear?"

Williams also minimized the incident. "I've never been in a fight in my whole life, so I don't know why she would have felt threatened," Williams said with a smile.

The line judge went over to the chair umpire, along with tournament referee Brian Earley. Williams then went over and said to the line judge: "Sorry, but there are a lot of people who've said way worse." Then the line judge said something to the chair umpire, and Williams responded, "I didn't say I would kill you. Are you serious? I didn't say that." The line judge replied by shaking her head and saying, "Yes."

Williams already had been give a code violation warning when she broke her racket after losing the first set. So the chair umpire now awarded a penalty point to Clijsters, ending the match.

"She was called for a foot fault, and a point later, she said something to a line umpire, and it was reported to the chair, and that resulted in a point penalty," Earley explained. "And it just happened that point penalty was match point. It was a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct."

When the ruling was announced, Williams walked around the net to the other end of the court to shake hands with a stunned Clijsters, who did not appear to understand what had happened.

"I used to have a real temper, and I've gotten a lot better," Williams said later. "So I know you don't believe me, but I used to be worse. Yes, yes, indeed." Really? Worse than this? Really?

Serena also overshadowed and tarnished the achievements of Clijsters. In only her third tournament back after 2 1/2 years in retirement, the 26-year-old Belgian became the first mother to reach a Grand Slam final since Evonne Goolagong Cawley won Wimbledon 1980.

“I never really expected to be beating Venus and beating Serena,” said Clijsters, who upset Serena’s sister, Venus , in the fourth round. “You try and you try to bring your best tennis, but you don't expect things to be going this well this soon.

“That's why I, knock on wood, just try to stay focused and not lose my rhythm that I've been having over these last two-and-a-half, almost three weeks that we've been here. Just trying to keep that going until the whole tournament is finished.”

"The normal feelings of winning a match weren't quite there," Clijsters said. "But I think afterwards, when everything kind of sunk in a little bit and got explained to me about what happened, yeah, you kind of have to put it all in place, and then it becomes a little bit easier to understand and to kind of not celebrate, but at least have a little bit of joy after a match like that."

Clijsters hadn't competed at the U.S. Open since winning the 2005 championship. Williams came into the day having won three of the past four Grand Slam titles, and 30 of her previous 31 matches at major tournaments.

One could see this meltdown coming. When Williams hit backhands into the net on consecutive points at 5-4 in the first set, Clijsters had broken her for the second time and taken the opening set. Upset, the American bounced her racket, caught it, then cracked it against the blue court, damaging the entire frame.

When Williams walked to the changeover, she clanged it against the net post and was given a warning for racket abuse by the chair umpire.
That would prove costly at match's end.

"I mean, the timing is unfortunate, you know," Clijsters said. "To get a point penalty at the time, it's unfortunate. But there are rules, and you know, like I said, it's just unfortunate that it has to happen on a match point."

Simply put, this is an ugly incident that tarnishes what should have been a special match and championship for Kim Clijsters and, thus far, remarkable career of Serena Williams. Serena has lost a championship and the respect of many. The U.S. Open organizers and the WTA officials should come down hard on Serena to ensure that others are not tempted to berate an official and to send a strong message to all elite athletes about their increasing boorish behavior.

Serena, the way to move forward from this and learn is to acknowledge the behavior and suffer the consequences, real consequences, not just a slap on the wrist. Everyone, let’s take this opportunity to take the high road.

For more on bad behavior and sports, click on Cheating and Bad Behavior.

Serena Williams Wins U.S. Open Championship

“Yeah, I have amazing will. I love to win.”

--Serena Williams, who won the U.S. Open for the third time last night in New York and captured her ninth career Grand Slam singles title.

Williams completed her surprising climb back to #1 Sunday night with a 6-4, 7-5 victory against Jelena Jankovic.

The 23-year-old Jankovic was appearing in her first Grand Slam final.

The hard-fought victory also gave Williams the #1 ranking in the world by beating the #2 player in the world. The #1 player, Ana Ivanovic, lost in the second round.

“I’m here to stay. Number 1 is not my goal. I know I’ll get that eventually if I continue to play the tournaments.”

--Serena Williams, who once held #1 for 57 straight weeks, but not since August 2003.

Injury, the murder of her half-sister and career interests in fashion and acting, upset her focus, hindered her career and sent her ranking below 125 in the last five years. After a surprising win at the Australian Open in 2007, it took her two years to get back completely.

“She’s working hard now, but it would have come quicker if she had worked harder before, but they [Serena and her sister, Venus] have their other activities. She thinks she’s supposed to win everything, that’s her will. She thinks everything’s hers.”

--Oracene Price, her mother.

“I’m playing a lot more, having more consistent results, and just putting in the effort. I think my results are finally showing,” says Williams.

Excerpts from the New York Times, 09/06/2008 and 09/08/2008.

Managing Emotions: The Key to Victory

“I managed my emotions a lot better. I stayed positive. At Wimbledon I got really negative and lost the only chance I had. This time, when she got in, I just relaxed. When I was up, I stayed relaxed.”

--Serena Williams, after beating sister, Venus, in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open.

Serena posted a two-tie-breaker 7-6 (6), 7-6 (7) victory, in a classic match-up that had the feel and electricity of a Grand Slam final.

“I feel like I should have a trophy now. Unfortunately I don’t, and I got to go to the next round,” Serena said.

With a strong will and physical stamina, she rallied from 5-3 deficits in both sets, and overcame eight set points in the second. Serena will play Danara Safina in the semifinals.

Excerpts from the New York Times and AP, 9/4/08.