Success, whether it is winning the French Open or writing a business blog, is half persistence, half-sweat.

Rafael Nadal dominates on clay courts and has the world record number of wins: the last eight of nine French Opens. Earlier this season Nadal was struggling, and some are saying that he won’t be successful with a win this year. But consider this:

1. Nadal has a superb serve: 177 aces and 83 double faults in the last nine years.
2. He is quick on the clay and can get ahead of the best shots.
3. Nadal was trained early in life on clay courts and knows how to use the slow speed and the unpredictability to surprise his opponent.
4. He has a winning fore-handed topspin.

This is very similar to writing a successful business blog. You’ve got to:

1. Start with a strong serve –Include a keyword in the title and first sentence of your blog post, and make it compelling. Your title and first sentence may be the only thing a reader sees in a feed.
2. Be agile and quick – Anticipate when it’s time to move on to a new topic. If you don’t, your readers already have.
3. Mix it up – Write with a different voice or perspective. If you’re always positive and cheery, write a negative post and criticize some commonly held practices or beliefs. People won’t keep reading if you don’t surprise them.
4. Deliver winning shots –Stay on topic, be relevant, and always keep your reader and their needs in mind.

When it comes to winning the open or writing a successful blog, the most important thing is to never give up – stay in the game. Your ability to refocus your writing and get back on track even when you don’t feel like it, will pay off in the long run.

Nadal knows this. He won’t let his past struggle undermine his current focus.