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Sometimes an opponent stops breathing, and you realise something drastic has happened and they are trying not to let on. Or they go quiet, or they get fidgety. After a while you pick these things up and become more alert to them.

As athletes, we're used to reacting quickly. Here, it's 'come, stop, come, stop.' There's a lot of downtime. That's the toughest part of the day.

I think sportsmanship is knowing that it is a game, that we are only as a good as our opponents, and whether you win or lose, to always give 100 percent.

Of course, rivals do affect athletes mentally, but if you are competing with top-notch athletes, you will push each other, you will encourage each other.

While the coach is entitled to celebrate the team's victories, there is a manner and a way of doing so without aggravating the opponent.

Sometimes I think sportsmanship is a little bit forgotten in place of the individual attention.

Tennis players we're always playing in center courts that feel like arenas. And when we get on the court and the crowd cheers your name or salutes you - it's like you're a gladiator in the arena. And everyone is cheering - and you're fighting, you're screaming, during your strokes - it feels like you're an animal, fighting for your life.

Tennis is a perfect combination of violent action taking place in an atmosphere of total tranquillity.

If your opponent is of choleric temper, irritate him.

You try to hide your emotions, so as not to show weaknesses to others. I believe it's the same for every sportsman.