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opinion

I love tennis, and like many will be rooting for Canada in the Davis Cup match between Canada and Japan being played this weekend in Vancouver. A lifetime of playing brings to mind some lessons that apply to politics.

Control the centre of the court. While some points are scored from the corners and alleys, the game is won by the side that successfully controls the centre. In politics, some people complain that the "centre is too crowded". That's nonsensical, because that's where most people are, and that's where you have to be.

While a big first serve is great to have, it's the second serve and the return of serve that matters even more. Milos Raonic's serve is the best in tennis, but what will bring him to the true top of his game is an even better all-round game. Political leaders have strong points to their "game" but their overall strength depends on developing a better approach to defence and any weak points in their own games. Relying on your natural strong points won't be enough.

Patience and persistence count for a lot. Keep the ball in play, but with enough "pace and place" to make it hard for your opponent to hit a winner. Above all, don't try to hit a winner on every shot, or when you're on the run. You can only create opportunities if the point is still available.

Commentators will inevitably over-read every trend, and make the simple mistake of extrapolating too much from one rally or even one shot. Momentum is important, but it's important to remember that momentum can turn on a dime. In a tennis match the players can't hear the commentary, which is a good thing. Politicians unfortunately can hear what's being said, and need to learn to ignore most of it, because it's noise.

Your coaches will tell you to "play your own game", which has an element of truth, but unfortunately ignores the reality that the game has a pace and dynamic of its own. What makes for truly great play is the ability to pivot. This is what makes the difference between a coach and a player, and between advisors and politicians. In reality, the most important moments on the court, or in a campaign, are when you're on your own, and you have to trust your own instincts. If your instincts aren't that good, you'll probably lose. But if you don't rely on them to respond to what your opponent is doing you'll lose anyway, because a rote repetition of your own game won't do it for you.

"Tennis is 90 per cent a mind game, and the rest is mental," as the saying goes. As important as fitness, agility, and physical prowess all are, what makes a winner is the ability to stay positive, keep your temper, and make those bad thoughts just go away. Resilience and character are all important, because they allow you to deal with the setbacks that are part of every game, indeed every point. Even the best players make unforced errors. What makes good players great is keeping those to a minimum, and learning how to put them behind you and bounce back. The analogies with politics are clear. Attitude and character really matter, and resilience is an important key to success.

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