It's Tough When It's Tough.... | $25,000 Sunderland 🏆

[@jennings6926]

It's just a bad day at the office, sometimes opponents have an amazing day. You've got a lot of support here, keep it going! Love your analytical style, don't get too down on yourself

[@punpun2773]

No offense to Simon but his opponent this time, James Davis, is just the better player atm. He recently went close with Daniel Little twice, who's a great indoor player that just won a title over Chidekh and Jules Marie who are both monsters on this court, and after beating Simon he went on to very nearly beat Gianmarco Ferrari who's a strong top 400 guy. It's just a different in level

[@JBahamas]

@@punpun2773 don’t think so, Simon beat Leo borg 0 and 3. Leo is 500 in the world and Davis is outside of the top 1000. I understand your point, but if Simon had produced the level he did against Leo here the match would’ve been a lot closer.

[@punpun2773]

@@JBahamas That’s not how it works. Leo Borg is a very streaky guy first of all and they played in a league tennis match which shouldn’t be used to determine a player’s ability on the tour. A comparison is Jules Marie beating Goffin and Humbert in a non-ATP tournament a while back, which simply will not happen if they play in a professional setting. James Davis may be high ranked but it doesn’t at all reflect his actual ability and at that moment, he was much more in form and playing at a higher level than Simon

[@frankiepeele9220]

I felt every word you said about the indoor courts. I always feel like I’m hitting it late and the ball just overpowers me no matter who I’m playing. I’ve always been more of a clay player myself

[@jleeterp]

Just keep fighting Simon. The results will come. If you're not familiar with David Sammel, coach of Liam Broady, I would check him out. He has a weekly podcast and good books and other materials on mindset and confidence you might find helpful. Just a thought. The year is very early. You can and will get back to your top level!

[@megowopwop8545]

Feel for you Simon. One thing that can make you feel better is to understand that it is inevitable that matches like these come along, and by understanding this, it makes it a lot easier to move on quickly and stay focused on where you are trying to get too. You can even embrace these moments with a smile as they are just part of the journey. The last thing I'd add, is that letting it get you and getting down may seem impossible to avoid but you should try knock that as fast as you can by taking onboard the first point. If you don't it can be destructive towards your game. Tennis is atleast 80% mental at your level, train you mentality to find a way to stay confident in the tough moments. One trick I use is to constantly say that I'm playing great when I'm playing like shit. Just over and over again in my head. It sounds silly I know, but when you say it over and over again and commit to it, it can clear the negativity and doubt running though the mind which is the TRUE cause of bad play.

[@germanslice]

If he could get his serves in more deeper it might be enough to start to break down big hitter. But serving short allows this guy time to take big swings at the ball.

[@Simon.Freund]

🙏👊

[@vladimirgetselevich4704]

I think this could be just a pressure playing abroad, without a coach, on courts which you are not used too and with constant pressure to win some ATP points and tournament prizes to cover travel expenses. Simon, you had a great game which you showed in the last Sweden league championship beating in singles guys ranked around 500. Just continue on your road and we all believe in you!

[@Simon.Freund]

🙏👊

[@Bambotb]

That's the definition of tennis, it's the same for everyone..if you can't handle it mentally and just want to complain it's not for you

[@vladimirgetselevich4704]

@@Bambotb I think tennis is very tough sport on professional level. You invested all your life in it and you are pretty good. You can be in the top 5 in your country, top 500 in the world and still you earn nothing from the competition you play.

[@MJ-zb4lv]

Win or lose it's a great level of tennis to watch for any avid fan. Good stuff Simon

[@AdrianColumbus]

One strange tip i have found to help with my focus when nothing is working is "staring down" the ball and making that my primary focus, takes away from focusing on the previous point and for me, it usually improves timing when its off for one reason or another. Look forward to the next tournament!

[@megowopwop8545]

Second that! by focusing on the ball it clears the minds of negative thoughts and doubt that are the real cause of bad play. You have to get the focus external instead of internal and staring the ball down is is a great way to do this. Great advice

[@stefanrumble3513]

Thanks for doing a selfie with my son Stefan after your first match at Sunderland, he is a big fan of yours so was really pleased 👍

[@Simon.Freund]

🙏 give my best to Stefan!! Maybe we’ll strike some balls next time I’m in town

[@LEjeej42]

If you don't live it, you can't understand it, 3 days ago, i live the same situation, and public against me and all negativ things like that, we just need to think for the next match, sometimes it's very difficult but beautifull things for next time, be strong 💪🏻

[@wm2357]

It works for me breaking up the rthym with slices, agles and high balls. Keep going 💪

[@-Munditimum-]

It's OK man. Happens to the best of us. You're not playing these matches enough in my opinion. You just need to restore your belief system in yourself. Being a former big hitter, I used to hate it when my opponents would get me off my beat...like this good player you faced. Give them more variety and get them off their high horse levels. I say this since I know that your toolbox has a huge assortment. As many of your supporters, I'm rooting for you as well. Don't be hard on yourself and look at this as a learning experience about how to face an opponent like this. I see many players at these levels, so concentrated at hitting the ball flat and hard that it becomes their main focus, give them a few loopy shots, some unexpected drop shots and drive them out of their tempo. After all and as usual with tennis, it's about making the other player uncomfortable to draw an error out of them. Anyhow, you know all of this. 🍻 Cheers my friend. M

[@germanslice]

Can a 100 mph slice drive mess some of these players up who like hitting heavy topspins all the time. Because if you are hitting heavy topspins to them all the time, it gives them too much time to set up.

[@Simon.Freund]

🙏🙏👊

[@germanslice]

@@Simon.Freund I use just one swing for doing my topspin and my slice drives with the one hander. This causes confusion for club players with the bounce when I use the same swing for doing both drives and even more confusion if I go back again to slicing all across the body.

[@brianwong245]

I think we're all happy to share your successes and failures, good days and bad days. Keep at it!

[@Simon.Freund]

🙏👊

[@donnienguyen2294]

For playing against James, you got to add more slices and drop shot to slow him down. Make him frustrated and see how he plays

[@coffeedude2024]

Unlucky Simon. Tennis at your level is such a brutal sport where the margins are wafer thin and if you're 5% off your game, that can be the difference in a match of this calibre. Keep going as I'm sure some big wins lie ahead👍

[@peterknowles2344]

Love the video Simon. Nice to see you going to all the glamour spots! Been to Sunderland many times and the people are great. Why don't you do that inside out serve more? Difficult to read.

[@lucamolenhof3747]

Keep going simon, you aren't laking support from your community! Better matches will come soon. You got this!

[@pencilcheck]

Thanks for the tennis serve analysis weeks ago, tennis is indeed hard. I think I am getting better, just a couple more then I'm match ready.

[@Simon.Freund]

💪💪

[@iza3887]

You got this, next wall break is when you playing your worst and still win. Good luck with your battles with yourself

[@jonr7247]

F*%k these courts, keep your head up Simon!

[@alastairtheduke]

I wonder when starting out matches and not feeling it. Sometimes it's us but sometimes it's the opponent doing their job keeping us uncomfortable. I know it's a risky strategy, but perhaps turning it up a notch from the start and making the opponent a little less comfortable out there is the key. Easier said than done, and turning it up can mean so many different things, variety, power, different spins.

[@ronm7114]

i think u right. Way to passive approach. As i said before. U cant lean on experiences from the past that got u there. U got to reach new levels again from there. Stretch---> adjust to new level ---> stretch again. Its all in the head.

[@timcross11]

Great video Simon. We have all been there.

[@johnnybgood1169]

Very difficult to adjust your timing quickly to those type of FAST courts. Just my opinion but you would be fine if you had 1-2 extra weeks practicing and playing in those conditions. The only tactical thought I had for your second opponent would have been to go with what you saw as a possible weakness in his forehand and play 4 out of every 5 shots to that side; just really pound away there and force him to consistently beat you with his weaker stroke. If he's able to do it, then hats off to him, BUT maybe he starts to miss a few, gets rattled and breaks down a bit which might have given you a chance. Best of luck going forward and thank you, as always, for such great content!

[@marcelosoares429]

Great play for your opponent, super shots and super serves

[@sludge86]

Whew tough one. Just an odd opponent. Chin up bro 👍

[@SirDan00]

Keep grinding Simon! You got this!

[@RobBlanzy]

It looks like you’re lacking some quality sleep. Life sucks without it. Hey did you post your schedule anywhere? I’d like to stop by a match or two in April or May this year.

[@Simon.Freund]

Haha maybe it’s more evident that what I think 😅 was a couple hectic days leadin up to recording it… haven’t gotten my schedule out yet, will share asap

[@tiggertigger1982]

Yeah, im not the one to give you tips to improve. I mean, i´m a decent player but not on your level. Actually had a tough match yesterday winning 13:11 in the decider ( 3rd set is played as a Champion´s Tiebreak in our league and the Tournaments I play ). What brought me through it was maybe my positive mindset and accepting mistakes I make. You said that the bad points stuck in your head longer than the good ones. I wasn´t afraid of making those mistakes and kept playing my game. Sure, sometimes the opponent just has a really good day ( like your opponent ) and you can´t get your game going. But still trying and beeing positive helps me often times.

[@Simon.Freund]

Just gotta keep workin!!

[@roddickfan90]

I live about 30 mins away from Sunderland and was hoping to come and watch you play but sadly wasn't to be; hope to see you play live in the future! 🤞🏻🎾☺️

[@BeyondTheCourt543]

oo that would've been so cool to see simon play!

[@Simon.Freund]

Maybe next time!!

[@simplebalanceastrology]

All good Simon!!! Great recap and video like always --- tennis is always a tough mental game out there. Besides that, you did look a bit sluggish in that last match (maybe its the footwork or something / splitstep) -- maybe do some hops/jumps during the match to keep the energy up and hopefully bring you back into the zone. Keep going!!!

[@AsgardProductionsSE]

Really interesting to hear your thoughts and analysis, even when things are not always going to plan! Lycka till i double!

[@tkausche]

Head up and Go on 🙌

[@federicotown8052]

Cool ! Discovered your channel recently

[@Simon.Freund]

🙏👊

[@o0netennisclothing343]

Really enjoyed that great insight

[@leonzeis9762]

Nice Vid! Keep it up! The way is the goal

[@hanseat7950]

Hi Simon, I know it's not easy. My coach's daughter is on the WTA circuit and trying to break the top 100. She gets entry in the main field but then loses in the first or second round. Hang in there. Have you thought about switching racquest? I tried the Blade Pro V8 16x19 but find I don't have a kill shot with it. I can't put the ball away. Maybe look into a Babolat Aero 98 or perhaps Yonex Ezone? Chin up, hang in there and keep working hard. Looks like in some situations you made incorrect shot selections. Be more patient and maybe stand a bit closer to the baseline in the rallies and take the ball on the rise. Maybe more topspin in your shots?

[@Simon.Freund]

Looking into some different racquets right now actually!! And working on getting closer to the baseline, it’s tough but gotta try and improving!

[@ifroob]

simon, do you have a video detailing your daily routine/day in the life? it must be very demanding to be on the tour, i'd like to see what you have to go through on a daily basis!

[@Simon.Freund]

Working on it, but little tricky with filming right now :/ havin a bit of a tough time trying to juggle it all without losing focus on tennis. Gonna try to figure it out 👊

[@ericliu2708]

This game is similar to the other game. Opponent has good backhand and a “good” unorthodox serve with good locations. Maybe playing more inside in/down the line attacking his forehand could work. I guess the court is a little faster. Your forehand was a bit tentative. Gotta attack early and hit more down the line or sharp cross court when you could set up, especially against the opponents with such good backhand. I could see you were attacking his forehand more in the second set. It did work. But some balls were a bit tentative. Trust yourself and hit big forehand. You would have won the match.

[@sempires90901]

what strings/tension are you using on the 16x19 blade. Also, any strong preferences between V7 and V8? Thanks!!

[@Simon.Freund]

I string at 23kg. And wouldn’t say there’s any major differences between v7, v8

[@bralter6488]

Don't worry Simon, I'm always rooting for you. (you are much better then tennis brothers)

[@owen846]

Ok…

[@punpun2773]

Not really a fair comparison comparing a former top 600 player to a young player who's technically not even a pro lol. The better comparison here is someone like Jules Marie who kinda had the same story and profile (former pro, indoor specialist, took a long hiatus and now coming back, etc.)

[@Simon.Freund]

Felix is comin back from his surgery stronger than ever! Excited to see what he can do this year 💪

[@Runlikenevets]

not on your level but some thoughts. baseline rallies: he's dictating and hitting deep and close to the corners; you're scrambling and returning back to the middle. He really sets up and puts his weight into his closed backhand. Maybe find a few spots to hit closed stance and really drive through and flatter to take control of the point. You also hit some short angle crosses that were effective.

[@Edit_house2007]

It's alright, I'm sure you can just figure this out. Enjoy your tennis

[@themelon5228]

How do you set up your camera? I really want to know because I want to film my matches also. Btw good video keep going!🔥🔥

[@Simon.Freund]

I do everything with my phone and then a phone mount

[@Simon.Freund]

Hope to check out your videos soon, best of luck! 👊

[@XTennis17X]

Geez this guy goes down the line almost every single shot

[@juniorbeasthawk4266]

Hang in there! Maybe extra pressure being top seed in qualies?

[@Simon.Freund]

Maybe, but either way, shouldn’t affect my focus no matter the seed :// ah well, back to it!

[@MrFunkyko]

What racket do you currently play with and any modifications?

[@Simon.Freund]

Just a stock Wilson blade 16x19 right now 👊

[@federicotown8052]

good work !

[@rgal8791]

Många matcher i England. Kommer du spela ngt i London? Sw19 :)

[@Simon.Freund]

Får se om det blir något i London, inget planerat i närtiden tyvärr

[@sviatoslavgotsko4085]

Go go go

[@mteca5093]

Why didn't you try to lower your opponents level with slices n drop shots more... he liked pace so you should have gave him none

[@Simon.Freund]

Yeah, for sure should’ve tried to mix that in more

[@Simon.Freund]

You live and you learn I guess 😅😅

[@mteca5093]

@@Simon.Freund you still young n good. N smart it seems..you will be

[@davidfan7692]

The court looks really shallow … no space behind the baseline

[@revio000]

Thoguht that was sam groth

[@jaegertier6352]

Sorry man. That guy played really well and overall seemed a lot slower physically and not as efficient with his technique. Seems the courts favored his play style here. Keep grinding

[@soundoflasers]

Tough thing about tennis is to get better, you have to lose.

[@majedti4126]

why dont you travel to lower cost countries where you can play outdoors?

[@Simon.Freund]

It’s a tough pro/cons scenario, everything has its +/- :/ tough with long travel, maybe not as many tournaments in a row etc

[@majedti4126]

@@Simon.Freund Understood, just think your style suits someone who is a grinder rather than playing a big hitter indoors. You could prolly mash this guy on clay.

[@ToiletTennis]

it's ok bro I still love you

[@Simon.Freund]

🙏👊

[@ronm7114]

Seems like u were more or less feeding balls to him. Ur defense level isnt up to par to counter his shots. He played great. Bit of the same match as in those play ofs. You played into his strength, relying on him making mistakes. But he didnt. I think u gotta frustrate these players by playing so they cant execute their strength while u kinda did the opposite. You need to be able to return deep spin balls on his serve for example so he gets into defense (very hard with such a serve i know). If you can then put balls away from there he will go nuts. U need to demoralise these players as much as you can. Thats what they want to do to you. And he succeeded (throwing racket). Throwing your racket isnt the mistake btw, thats an effect. U can discipline urself to not do it, but it doesnt matter. The effect is the same, its just not shown. Very tough indeed.

[@Brnx6lerate]

bro your opponent was on jedai day... nothing much you can do about it

[@ruggierojerolli]

I saw twice your footage: 1. Noticed you got frustrated so early in the match with several missings. Atypical!! It was noticed in your excessive relaxed body and body expression and many balls without some intention. Didn´t see that kind of attitude "every ball is a match ball" as in lots of other matches you´ve played. 2. From 1 to 10, If his backhand was as solid and dangerous as say a 8.3 and his forehand kind of 6, why you kept on playing so many balls to his bh side? 3. I observed the following trait unlike your other matches and practices that I follow. This one I guess caused your atypical errors in the fh, that you mentioned as "rhythm": In many balls, you did start your forehand takeback with too much insync with the ball´s bounce and looked liked you had almost no time to lead and and master over the ball. Today your fh was more reactive than proactive. So different versus your standard early anticipation to the bounce. eg. It made you miss to break him to get to 5-5. Epilogue If you could smoothly manage the Jannik Sinner´s shots, then from any other one....c´mon , was just wakening up with the wrong foot + perhaps too much hussle between city and city with little time to peace the mind and rest the body. Keep on man! You´re a true good, good player as I once have stated. You move like dancing with the ball with so much agility and flexibility kind of the very very top talented ones. Many of your over stretches and gets remind us the very Nole Djokovic!

[@Simon.Freund]

Thanks for takin the time with all the feedback, and you really come with some great insight! Will try my best to incorporate it! Thanks for the support my friend 👊

[@TimTheMusicMan]

Its not you per se, it’s the stupid modern artificial rackets and strings. It’s changed the game for the worse. There is no tennis anymore. It’s just slam bam racketball like. The real talent and charisma and shot making and touch and volleys have disappeared. It’s all about who can slam the ball the hardest. Just stand on the baseline and slam it, silly inferior 2hbh’s and baseline for 95% of the match. Tennis has no personality anymore. It’s all robotic.

[@tijgertjekonijnwordopgegeten]

On indoor hardcourt the game is the most like what it used to be and it is more boring (no breaks just servebots). So I would completely disagree that the game used to be better to watch and play.

[@tennispennis7579]

Get some red shoes buddy, BOING!!!!! He seemed to be hitting slightly better and an edge is all you need. Do you think you were tired from Sheffield as you looked less sharp then usual. Great vids these SF keep it up.....

[@Simon.Freund]

Gotta try to find any edge in there is 👟 don’t think fatigue was a factor :/ just tough Day at the office