Dramatic comebacks, bitter defeats and physical limits: The pros in New York show how important the mind and correct self-assessment are in tennis.
Every year, the US Open offers gripping tennis and emotional highlights. But away from the spectacular rallies, one thing above all is evident on the courts of New York: tennis is decided in the mind. Whether it is fending off match points, dealing with sudden physical problems or tactical discipline during your own serve – the pros deliver valuable lessons that every recreational athlete can use for their own game.
How do you deal with extreme pressure when the match is almost lost? Madison Keys showed nerves of steel in her second-round match against Anna Bondar. According to reports from Tennis Majors, the American was already 2-5 down in the deciding set and had to fend off no fewer than five match points before she was able to turn the match around to win 5-7, 6-4 and 7-6. Such moments require absolute focus on the next point, without thinking about the score.
Naomi Osaka revealed another mental trick after her three-set victory against Katerina Siniakova. When the match tipped in the second set, her experience helped her. According to Ubitennis, Osaka uses a kind of mental treasure chest: in difficult moments, she specifically recalls memories of successfully mastered extreme situations – such as her won Australian Open final in 2021. For your own match, this means: when you are behind, specifically recall successful comebacks from your past to bring back your self-confidence.
Jan-Lennard Struff had to learn the hard way that you often get in your own way at this level. In a curious match against Francisco Cerundolo, the player from Warstein committed a total of 16 double faults, according to reports from tennisnet.com. Particularly bitter: while serving for the set, he made four double faults in a single game. Even though his opponent showed weaknesses and even smashed his racket in frustration, it was ultimately not enough for Struff after receiving treatment on his ankle.
Felix Auger-Aliassime also experienced a debacle with his service. In his defeat against Karen Khachanov, statistics show he won only 41 percent of points after his second serve and committed eight double faults. For recreational players, the lesson is clear: a solid, safe second serve is ultimately more valuable than the risk of a serve that is too hard and produces easy errors.
Sometimes, however, it is not the psyche but the body that thwarts your plans. Auger-Aliassime complained of sudden dizziness and vision problems during his match. Although he tried to save himself with fluids and nutritional supplements, nothing helped. He nevertheless decided to play the match to the end instead of giving up. In the event of health problems or unclear pain, however, the rule for recreational athletes is always: your own health comes first. In case of doubt, a match should be stopped and the cause professionally clarified.
Your takeaway: In tight match situations, use positive memories of previous victories and focus on a safe second serve to minimise easy errors.
This article was generated automatically with AI from the sources listed above and has not been editorially reviewed.