Mats Wilander - High IQ Tennis has Withstood the Test of Time

The Coach

TTCA Texas Tennis Coaches Association

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Mats Wilander is widely regarded as one of the most intelligent competitors the sport of tennis has ever seen. A multiple-time Grand Slam champion who won major titles on all three surfaces, Wilander was known not for overwhelming power, but for a strategic mindset that made his brain his greatest weapon.

Throughout his career, Wilander built success by playing within his limitations, prioritizing consistency, depth, and decision-making over reckless aggression. His philosophy centered on understanding the opponent, managing risk, and recognizing that “not missing is still winning.” He believed great tennis was about problem-solving, finding the right shot at the right time based on score, situation, and opponent tendencies.

In an era now dominated by speed and power, Wilander’s approach remains strikingly relevant. His teaching emphasizes high-percentage tennis, smart shot selection, net clearance, early ball contact, and using spin and depth to take time away without unnecessary risk. Above all, he stresses long-term player development over short-term results, helping players become smarter competitors, not just harder hitters.

Wilander continues to share these timeless principles through coaching, speaking, and on-court demonstrations, showing players and coaches alike that high-IQ tennis not only survives but thrives across generations.