On Sunday I played a USTA 5.0 League match against a Japanese version of Alex de Minaur. Match started at 3:20pm. Finished at 5:40. We didn't even play a full third.

After what was probably our 30th rally above 12 shots, my only-plays-once-a-week lungs were shot. The damn thing was that we were at 5-5 in the second — heat of battle. I literally said under my breath: Dig in. Nothing for free

But my arms, legs and small tush completely disobeyed.

Two points in a row, I tried to launch a winner on the third or fourth ball to end the rally asap. Missed both. Went down 0-30. And then did what all great competitors do: rationalized it immediately. It's fine. We're still on serve. I'll be more disciplined next game.

Dearest Reader: You’ll be shocked to know I was not more disciplined next game. Lost the second set 7-5. But it did get me thinking:

It's not just cardio. It's not just strength. It’s not reformer pilates with my gals. To me, peak fitness is the mind-body connection that lets you fight through the moments when your muscles are screaming and you've got that taste of blood in your throat — and still make the right decision.

Because at the pro level, the physical stuff is a given. Everyone is practicing 2-4 hours a day and in the gym two hours a day. Everyone is eating quinoa. You don't get to that level otherwise. So "being in shape" in the traditional sense isn't the differentiator.

What (I’m guessing) separates players is the ability to push past what feels like 100%. To summon something extra when the body is begging you to take a shortcut.

And if I know one thing, it’s all 5 of tennis’ treacherous shortcuts when tired:

I might be able to get away with E, but tennis isn’t that forgiving at the pro level. One loose point could cost you more than a 12 pack of toilet paper during COVID.

The discipline version — the fit version — is going crosscourt one more time when every instinct is screaming to go down the line for glory. You think you're going to rip that winner. In reality you probably make it 33% of the time. When you're exhausted, it's closer to 18%. Not a winning play in the long run.

As for me — you could ask my pickle juice dealer college coach Paul Settles whether I was ever in good shape, and the answer would be a stern no. Not because I was lazy. For whatever reason, little old me could barely get through a dual match without multiple pickle juice deliveries.

But at least I won on Sunday. 6-4, 5-7, 10-8.

YA BABY!

I’ve been as high as No. 2 in the world, won 14 tour titles, have been in 3 Grand Slam Finals, but haven’t won one. Who am I?

A. Casper Ruud

B. Alex Corretja

C. Robin Söderling

D. Sascha Zverev

Find out at the bottom!

Thought this was fun, so here’s mine:

It really depends — Did my Oura ring say I slept well? Did I carbo-load? Have I gotten into a spat with my wife in the last 30d? If yes to all of those, then it’s definitely:

Grind, Cramp, Speed

Would love to know, what’s yours?

I love this quote because it’s a reminder that putting in the work, day in and day out, is all we can control. You’re guaranteed to have countless nights wondering if your moment will ever come. It could be years, or even decades. But that doesn’t mean you should quit. You’ve just gotta:

Some of the best tennis content I found on the internet this week…

😂 This post from Taylor Townsend has me crying

🥹 Man this has all the feels. Kids dream of moments like this! So happy for journeyman David Goffin

🏆 Congrats to the UVA (Men’s) and Texas A&M (Women’s) for winning the DI National Titles! Both clinches will get you hyped. Men’s | Women’s

A. Casper Ruud