Have You Ever Wanted to Give Up in a Tennis Match?
The reason some players want to give up is that they foresee a bleak outcome. Maybe your opponent looks invincible, you can’t find your rhythm, or every big point seems to fall just out of reach.
Circumstances such as these rattle some tennis players. They get swallowed up by the moment because they fear some negative result, whether it’s continuing to lose big points, being dominated by their opponent for the rest of the match, or losing by a considerable margin.
They become overwhelmed by their thoughts, fears, and emotions, and see no way out. With no motivation and no confidence, they are no longer mentally in the game and just go through the motions of playing tennis until the match is lost.
However, successful tennis players choose to battle instead of being rattled. They persist through pressure. Successful players take control of what they can.
They may have lost several big points, but they keep fighting for the NEXT point. Their opponent might have dominated the first set, but successful players look for a weakness in their opponent’s game and strategize ways to exploit that weakness.
Successful players are so engaged in battling for the current point and finding a way to win that their motivation and confidence remain intact throughout the match.
Successful tennis players actively seek a way to win points rather than passively accepting defeat. It’s confidence that leads to persistence.
At the 2025 French Open Final, Coco Gauff faced off against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Gauff remained mentally tough throughout the match despite challenging circumstances.
For one, playing conditions were not optimal. The stadium roof was open, causing strong wind gusts. However, Gauff was able to separate what she could and could not control, helping her give her full attention to each point.
GAUFF: “It was tough. I don’t think either of us was playing great, but I knew as soon as I stepped on the court, when I felt that it was windy, it was going to be one of those matches, so I wanted to give myself the best chance on every point.”
Gauff recognized that Sabalenka is a strong, powerful hitter. However, Gauff also recognized her own strengths, giving her the necessary confidence to maintain her composure under intense pressure. The result was a 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 win and the French Open title.
GAUFF: “Today, playing Aryna, I was just, like, I’ve just got to go for it and try my best to get through the match. That’s what I did.” Persistence is a matter of “digging in” instead of “giving in”.
A mentality of persistence focuses on making in-match adjustments and adapting to circumstances beyond your control. Many matches are won or lost not through playing perfect tennis, but mentally grinding and outlasting your opponent.
When you commit to persisting through challenging circumstances, you put yourself in a position to win.
When the match feels like it’s slipping away, don’t obsess over the score.Instead, persist by telling yourself, “Just fight for one more point. This mindset helps you stay in the fight and turn the tide in your favor.
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