Tennis in many ways has the powerful mental drainage a chess game can have and a blow/defeat to your ego and psych, can hurt you for years to come. But the similarities do not end up there, generally speaking the player who controls the center of the chess board has to most chances to win. In tennis the situation is very similar, the player who has the courage and skills to get inside the court and not relinquish that position on a consistent basis is most likely to win the match.

The Wimbledon final 2007 Federer vs Nadal was a stunning example; Nadal taking control of points at a time inside the court and than retreating back behind the baseline to lose the point, because his net skills are poor and he does not trust himself volleying. This culminated with a graphic from the BBC showing Nadal's position running 4 and 5 meters behind the baseline in comparison to Federer's position 1 to 2 meters from the baseline or inside the court, attacking.

A final parallelism between Chess and tennis are the pawns. In Chess all pieces are important but, you will never trade a Queen for a pawn (unless you check-mate in the next move!), in tennis all points are important but, there are some you can lose (like the pawns in chess) and others that you must win at all costs, those are the key points in a match....and Federer is a master at playing those and that is why he is so successful.

So when you see a lackadaisical type like Federer on the other side of the net, beware! "Do Not Trust that Demeanor" he is plotting to take your Queen!

- Stay in control as much as possible. Play agressively to the opponent backhand deep and close to the sidelines if necessary to get an opening. Yet mix the speed (changes of pace), spins, ball heigth and when possible pound the opponents forehand side with a few winners to keep him honest.

- Hug the baseline and get inside the court at every opportunity. Combine winners with angles, drops shots and approach shot attacks.

In the diagram below (http://tenniscruz.com/content/view/59/47/) you will see what I consider the "Control Zone", if you are disciplined enough to hold onto your guns, to fight for that position and as much as possible fire from inside of that area, your match winning percentage will increase dramatically.

- Stay in control of the center of the court.

- Stay 1 or 2 meters behind the baseline and get inside the court as the chances arise.

- Either attack the short balls and go to the net or put them away according to individual situations.

Remember going for the lines in certain situations is percentage play as well! What is important is, that you sense the right moment and you have previously developed confidence in the shot by using it during practice match play. Great wins always involve great acts of courage, sacrifice and boldness.

For comments or ideas about this article please email the author Sergio Cruz