How Can Mental Strength and Focus Help You Finish Strong?
Summary
Many tennis players struggle to close out a tennis match even when leading late in the final set. This article explains why finishing a match is as much a mental challenge as a physical one, and how players can develop the mental skills needed to stay composed, confident, and focused. Using examples from ATP player Carlos Alcaraz, the article explores four key strategies—staying present, trusting your game, embracing pressure, and committing to mental skill development—that help players close out matches consistently.
Why Closing Out Matches is Difficult
Many players feel energized and confident when leading in the final set, but closing out a match often increases pressure and anxiety. The mental shift from competing to protecting the lead can result in cautious play, unforced errors, and muscle tension. Shallow breathing and fatigue set in, leading to mechanical swings that opponents can exploit.
When a player hesitates, their opponent senses the opportunity and may elevate their play. Before long, what seemed like a secure lead can vanish, as the player who initially had control struggles to regain momentum. Learning to close out a tennis match consistently requires mastering these mental challenges while maintaining composure and focus.
A Professional Example: Carlos Alcaraz
ATP player Carlos Alcaraz exemplifies the mental toughness needed to finish strong. At the 2025 Japan Open Tennis Championships, Alcaraz faced Brandon Nakashima in the semifinals. Although he was leading in the second set and had multiple match points, Alcaraz let three slip. Rather than panic, he stayed composed, executed high-quality points, and ultimately closed out the match in straight sets.
Alcaraz explained:
“I always say that closing a match is difficult. Even tougher when you had match points, like I did when I was returning. Losing that game, I thought it was going to be really difficult, but I just tried to maintain my focus and play some great points in the last game.”
His success illustrates that finishing strong is not just about technique—it’s about mental skills such as focus, composure, and trust in your game. Players who learn to close out a tennis match under pressure often do so because they consistently train these mental skills alongside their physical abilities.
4 Keys to Close Out a Tennis Match Like a Champion
1. Stay in the Moment
One of the most critical aspects of closing out a match is maintaining focus on the point at hand. Worrying about the score or imagining the victory can create pressure that negatively affects performance. By staying fully present, players can execute their shots with confidence and reduce errors. Staying present allows you to play point by point, increasing your chances of maintaining control and finishing the match.
2. Trust Your Game
Avoid entering “protection mode” when leading. Confidence comes from repeating what has already worked in the match, not from playing it safe. Trusting your game means relying on your practiced strokes, strategies, and instincts. Players who can close out a tennis match consistently know that their strengths and preparation will carry them through tense moments, rather than defaulting to defensive or overly cautious play.
3. Don’t Fear Pressure
Pressure is a natural part of competition—it signals that the match matters. Rather than seeing nerves as a problem, acknowledge them and channel that energy into aggressive, focused play. Embracing pressure allows players to stay engaged and maintain intensity through the final points. Learning to harness nerves as positive energy is a hallmark of champion-level competitors.
4. Commit to Working on Your Mental Skills
Mental skills—focus, composure, trust, and confidence—don’t develop spontaneously. They require consistent, deliberate practice just like physical skills. Players who commit to mental training can access these skills when needed, especially in high-pressure situations. By working on mental toughness regularly, you create the foundation to consistently close out a tennis match when it matters most.
Final Takeaway
Closing out a tennis match is as much about mindset as it is about technique. Players who stay in the moment, trust their game, embrace pressure, and commit to mental skill development increase their likelihood of finishing matches successfully. Consistent practice of these mental skills allows athletes to handle pressure, maintain focus, and play confidently through the final points, turning potential anxiety into a competitive advantage.
FAQ: Closing Out a Tennis Match
Q1: Why do players struggle to close out matches?
Many players shift from competing to protecting the lead, which increases tension, cautious play, and errors. Learning to stay present and trust your game helps prevent this mental trap.
Q2: How can I stay focused on the point in tense moments?
Concentrate solely on the current point. Use pre-shot routines, deep breathing, and mental cues to block out the score and past points.
Q3: What does trusting your game really mean?
It means relying on practiced strokes, strategies, and instincts rather than playing conservatively out of fear. Confidence comes from repeating what works.
Q4: How do mental skills help close out a match?
Mental skills like focus, composure, and confidence allow players to handle pressure, maintain aggressive play, and execute their strengths under stress. Regular practice makes these skills available when it matters most.
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Dr. Patrick Cohn is a tennis psychology expert with Peak Performance Sportss, LLC. Learn cutting edge mental strategies based on 35+ years of experience in mental performance coaching with professional to junior competitive tennis players. He is the author of The Mental Edge for Tennis 2.0 audio and workbook program.