"Staleness" is the great enemy of players who play long seasons.
It is a case of too much tennis. Staleness is seldom physical
weariness. A player can always recover his strength by rest.
Staleness is a mental fatigue due often to worry or too close
attention to tennis, and not enough variety of thought. Its
symptoms are a dislike for the tennis game and its surroundings,
and a lack of interest in the match when you are on the court. I
advocate a break in training at such a time. Go to the theatre or
a concert, and get your mind completely off tennis. Do your
worrying about tennis while you are playing it, and forget the
unpleasantness of bad play once you are off the court. Always
have some outside interest you can turn to for relaxation during
a tournament; but never allow it to interfere with your tennis
when you should be intent on your game. A nice balance is hard to
achieve, but, once attained is a great aid to a tournament
player. I find my relaxation in auction bridge. I know many other
players who do likewise. Among them are Mrs. Franklin Mallory,
Wallace F. Johnson, W. M. Johnston and Samuel Hardy.

The laws of training should be closely followed before and after
a match. Do not get chilled before a match, as it makes you stiff
and slow. Above all else do not stand around without a wrap after
a match when you are hot or you will catch cold.

Many a player has acquired a touch of rheumatism from wasting
time at the close of his match instead of getting his shower
while still warm. That slight stiffness the next day may mean
defeat. A serious chill may mean severe illness. Do not take
chances.