Effect of Positive Self-Talk on the Opponent in Tennis

Abstract

The study examines the effects of positive self-talk on performance in tennis. To this end, a randomized experiment tested whether positive self-talk influences the way tennis players are perceived by their opponents by means of three questionnaires administered during a three-set tiebreak match. Although the results do not confirm the hypotheses, namely that the use of positive self-talk in tennis influences the player’s perception of the opponent, the experiment proves useful for understanding the nuances related to playing level. Athletes with a higher performance level may benefit more from the use of positive self-talk by demonstrating greater motivation and being perceived by their opponents as better players.