Tennis IQ Podcast

"Every time I lose, it's like the end of the world." This is what Mirra Andreeva said after losing the final in Madrid in May of this year. Josh and Brian discuss this quote from a psychological point of view. Although much of the discussion centers on Andreeva, she represents what a lot of players go through when they lose. Her subsequent victory at Roland Garros showed significant growth in her game, her emotional regulation, and her maturity.

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the importance of habit consistency. Based on a chapter from Areté by Brian Johnson, they talked about why just showing up to perform your habit behavior is actually more important than feeling like you need to be great at your habits. The pair also examined why the concept of “beginning again” is a key to long-term consistency.To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at tennisiqpodcast@gmail.com. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

Based on an interview with The Guardian, Brian and Josh discuss some mental performance themes behind Amanda Anisimova's remarkable 2025 season.Link to interview: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/nov/03/from-burnout-to-brilliance-amanda-anisimova-on-how-honesty-sparked-her-remarkable-revivalTo learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at tennisiqpodcast@gmail.com. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

Chris Harwood, PhD is a Professor of Sport Psychology at Nottingham Trent University and an Honorary Professor of Loughborough University in the UK. He is currently the Director of the Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) research centre at NTU where his research interests lie in the integration of psychological principles into youth sport settings and the roles of the coach, parents, and the wider organisational support system. Prior to his training and registration as a Sport Psychologist, Chris was head coach and then Director of Tennis at Loughborough University in the 1990s, and has worked as lead psychologist in professional football and as lead psychologist for the Lawn Tennis Association in the UK. Chris has been a long standing member of the WTA tour player development advisory panel and supports junior and pro players, their families and support teams in his private practice. He still enjoys competing as a masters tennis player for his County team in the UK. Chris developed the 5Cs framework as a user-friendly method of integrating key concepts of psychology into player development programmes and environments. The 5Cs are commitment, communication, concentration, control, and confidence.To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at tennisiqpodcast@gmail.com. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the concept of precommitments as a means for setting intentions for coping with challenges and adversity. Tennis is tough; can you precommit to enjoying yourself, learning, and embracing the challenge? Precommiting to such behaviors gives you a greater chance of following through.To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at tennisiqpodcast@gmail.com. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss how to attain greatness through adaptability and balance. The co-hosts discuss various chapters from Brian Johnson’s book Areté, which emphasize the importance of these two skills. Lastly, they review how tennis players can become more adaptable over time and find better balance in their tennis journeys.To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at tennisiqpodcast@gmail.com. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.