When it comes to competitive tennis, the tennis tournament is the arena where casual players are separated from the champions. Even Roger Federer had difficulty finding the mental toughness to win tournaments before he became the living legend he is today. But now, Mr. Federer clearly knows how to win a tennis tournament, and you can too.

There is definitely a big difference between a casual match with a friend, or a ladder match at your local tennis club, and a tournament of any level. This is because in a competitive match, there is something at stake, ranging from ranking points, to prize money, to simple bragging rights. And your opponents are no longer restricted to friends or mutual acquaintances; tournaments are usually open to a wide variety of players, and the chances are very high that you will end up playing a complete stranger. The pressure and stress can be difficult for players who are accustomed to casual hitting to succeed. But if you implement a few key strategies, you will be winning tournament after tournament in no time. If you have entered a doubles tournament, be sure to check out how to play doubles in tennis for specific doubles tactics.

1. First you have to dedicate a good two weeks before the tournament to practice all your strokes, making sure you know how to hit a tennis serve and volleys, as well as improve your fitness level and stamina. This requires good planning on your part. Figure out what dates the tournament will cover and sign up for it ahead of time so that you can arrange your schedule to accommodate extra practices and practice matches.http://www.tennisserver.com/Mills-tip/Mills-tip_10_96.html
2. During those two weeks you should be playing as many practice matches as possible. Call up friends or find hitting partners who are around your level and will take the practice seriously. It's important that you try and simulate a tournament scenario in a practice match as best you can; have less idle chit-chat, use new balls, include a full warm-up, and have set changeovers.
3. When you are practicing with your coach or working on your technique in a drill or lesson format, approach it with more intensity and make sure every minute counts. Pretend that you are using those shots or skills in a match and that the tournament is on the line. Constantly imagine an opponent across the net, trying to run you ragged. This is what the term "practice intensity" means; to practice being intense, you need intensity in practice.
4. Devote at least a few days to improving fitness and endurance. Work on your flexibility as well with yoga or power stretches. Get on a treadmill and run at a moderate speed for longer and longer periods of time. Work on bursts of strength and sprints as well if you have time. Tournaments can take anywhere from a few days to a whole week, so the workouts will definitely pay off in the long run.

1. A big part of winning a tournament is eating well and drinking well. This includes before matches, during matches, and after matches.
2. Stock up with plenty of Powerade, Gatorade, or Vitamin Water before the tournament. It's essential to stay hydrate during a match, especially if it goes the distance, or if it's during the hot and sweaty outdoor season. Anticipate winning several rounds in the tournament and prepare by stocking at least two bottles per match. Packing bananas is also a good idea.
3. Before a match try and eat a lot of pasta and lean meats such as chicken. Try and avoid deep fried foods or foods with a lot of sugar and fat for the entire tournament. If you're playing a morning match, make sure to get some cereal, oatmeal, or fruit in your system.http://www.lehighsports.com/assets/sportsmed/Tennis.pdf
4. After a match is done, it's important to replenish your lost nutrients and energy. Eat a banana or an energy bar on the way home, and take a good long shower while you're at it too. Drink loads as well. If you get in the habit of being well hydrated in between matches, then it won't be as much of a transition to drink a lot in a competitive scenario.http://www.lehighsports.com/assets/sportsmed/Tennis.pdf

1. Make sure you have a good stretch before every match. You don't want to be pulling or straining a muscle; this will absolutely wreck your tournament.
2. Arrange to hit with a friend prior to a match. This will be your "main" warm-up, in addition to the warm-up you're usually given prior to a match. At times your opponent may show up late and you may be told to play right away; regardless, you don't want your opponent to rob you of a good loosening hit.http://how-to-play-tennis.suite101.com/article.cfm/tennis_prematch_preparation
3. During a match, focus on each individual point at a time. Do not look ahead. Scrap for each point, and be aware of your body language, and the message that it is sending to your opponent. Recover and catch your breath after a long, tough point. Remember, you usually have at least 20 seconds between each point. Use that time.
4. If you find yourself facing an opponent who consistently makes bad calls and "cheats," don't be afraid to call for a referee if your tournament provides one. But don't let yourself get rattled. This represents a player who has taken the competitive nature of tennis too far; let it go, and remember that overcoming such obstacles will be a tremendous boost for you to endure.
5. However, try your best to be civil and polite as well. Do your part to make the match a respectful event, if not necessarily a casual and carefree one. Make sure to have a good firm handshake at the end regardless of outcome.
6. If you have successfully won a few matches, build on the momentum and gun for each round with all your energy and intensity. You should be winning tournaments in no time. Do your best to find out the optimal level of tournament that you should be playing at. Your opponents should not be smoking you off the court, but they shouldn't be pushovers either. Make it so that when you do win a tournament, it is a hard-won celebration.