The pros at the US Open show that in tennis, things don't always have to run perfectly. How you can improve your own game with mental tricks and the right attitude.
In tennis, things rarely go according to plan. Even on the very big stage in New York at the US Open, the absolute top pros regularly struggle with mental lows, technical problems or physical limits. Anyone who follows the pros' matches closely can learn a lot for their own game on clay or hard courts. It is not always about showing the most beautiful shots, but about keeping your nerves in the decisive moments and acting tactically smart.
How to free yourself from a seemingly hopeless situation was demonstrated by Coco Gauff in her quarter-final against Mirra Andreeva. Gauff got off to a terrible start, quickly fell behind and committed 12 double faults as well as 42 unforced errors throughout the match. But instead of giving up, she looked for ways to turn the game around. She saved two match points in the second set and won in the end. According to her own statements, during the locker room break after the first set, thinking of Frances Tiafoe, who had also pulled off a great comeback the day before, helped her. For you, this means: A bad start is not the end of the world. A short, conscious break – even if it is just walking to the bench or focusing on a positive role model – can help to reset your head.
The new world number one Elena Rybakina also had to struggle with mental hurdles in her match against Zheng Qinwen. Although she had felt good in training, she did not find the right point of contact in the game. Rybakina explained after the match that in such moments you are often too focused on the small mistakes instead of concentrating on the next task. Only when she vented her emotions during the set break and let her coach remind her of the previously discussed tactics did she find her way back on track.
When shots from the baseline do not work as desired, tactical flexibility is required. In the duel between Gauff and Andreeva, both players made an extremely high number of mistakes. The difference was ultimately made by the play in the forecourt: Gauff advanced to the net 28 times, winning 19 points. Andreeva, on the other hand, was successful only six times in her 17 net attacks. If you notice that you are making too many mistakes in long rallies from the baseline, try to break the rhythm and courageously seek the way forward.
Alexander Zverev shows that there is another way. He dominated his quarter-final against Botic van de Zandschulp mainly through a stable service game. Zverev got 71 percent of his first serves into the court and won 77 percent of these points afterwards. For his semi-final against Karen Khachanov, he expected a duel decided purely from the baseline: whoever dominates the rallies there and acts more aggressively wins the match. It is therefore crucial to know your own strengths precisely and adapt your game accordingly.
As important as fighting spirit is, it is just as crucial to listen to the signals of your own body. The young Belgian Alexander Blockx had to end his quarter-final against Khachanov prematurely in the third set. Blockx had already struggled with severe rib pain in the previous rounds and could hardly serve properly. Only with painkillers had he fought his way this far, until his body finally went on strike. In recreational sports, this applies even more: health always comes first. When your body sends clear warning signals, there is no shame in taking a break or retiring from a match. Sporting goals should never be forced at the expense of your own health.
Your takeaway: If things are not going well in the match, take a short timeout to reset, concentrate on the next point and adapt your tactics flexibly.
This article was generated automatically with AI from the sources listed above and has not been editorially reviewed.