The Problems of Finishing the Match in Tennis

In the book "Tennis: Winning the Mental Match" by Allen Fox, Ph.D., the author delves into one of the most common issues faced by both aspiring young tournament players and seasoned pros: the difficulty of finishing a match. Here, we summarize key points and insights from Chapter 5, which focuses on understanding and overcoming the mental hurdles associated with finishing a tennis match.

Understanding the Problem: Players often find themselves struggling when serving for the set or match. They become nervous, play poorly, and allow their opponents to regain momentum. This phenomenon is not due to a lack of skill but is a common psychological hurdle. Even confident players experience these challenges, though it is more pronounced in those who lack confidence.

Common Complaints:

1. Nervousness When Ahead: Players report feeling more nervous when they are ahead against a tough opponent, fearing they might lose the lead.
2. Overconfidence and Relaxation: Some players get ahead, become overconfident, relax, and then allow their opponents to come back and win.

Why This Happens:

1. Fear of Winning: Although often suggested, the idea that players fear winning is debatable. Most players fear losing more than they fear winning.
2. Conservatism Near the Finish Line: When close to winning, players become conservative, fearing that if they let the opportunity slip, they might not get another chance.
3. Personal Test: Winning is a personal test. The psychological pressure of converting a lead into a victory is immense, and players doubt whether they have the necessary 'it' factor to finish strong.

Tennis Scoring System: The unique scoring system in tennis amplifies stress. Unlike cumulative scoring sports like basketball or soccer, tennis scoring creates high-stress points that significantly impact the match outcome. Each game and set are separate battles, with points becoming more critical as the match progresses. This system forces players to consistently handle pressure throughout the match, not just at the end.

Handling the Stress of Finishing:

1. Avoid Procrastination: Players must recognize that their tendency to relax when ahead is a form of procrastination to avoid the growing stress of finishing. Acknowledging this can help in addressing it.
2. Maintain Intensity: To overcome the urge to relax, players should make a special effort to concentrate harder and maintain their intensity when they are ahead.
3. Redouble Efforts After Winning the First Set: After winning a set, players should avoid the natural tendency to relax and instead come out more aggressive and focused at the start of the next set.

Practical Examples and Advice:

• Roger Federer: Even top players like Federer have fallen into the trap of relaxing after gaining a substantial lead, as seen in the 2005 Masters Championship final against David Nalbandian.
• Brad Gilbert's Advice: Gilbert suggests that players should mentally position themselves as being down a set after winning the first to maintain pressure on their opponents.

Conclusion: Finishing is a psychological challenge in any sport, but it is particularly pronounced in tennis due to its unique scoring system. Players must exert extra emotional discipline when ahead, stay motivated, and pursue their game plan with faith in their abilities. By understanding and addressing the mental hurdles associated with finishing, players can improve their chances of converting leads into victories and ultimately become stronger competitors.