The French Open presents a unique opportunity and challenge for tennis players aiming for a Grand Slam title. This weekend, players such as Mirra Andreeva, Maja Chwalińska, Alexander Zverev, and Flavio Cobolli must close out matches for the biggest achievement of their careers. Successfully seizing these moments can be elusive even for seasoned players.
At the heart of this challenge is the art of closing—a skill that has confounded even top-tier tennis athletes. Last year’s men’s final exemplifies this struggle: Jannik Sinner, the Italian world No. 1, lost a two-set lead and three championship points against Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner’s journey this year ended with a second-round upset against Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerúndolo.
Tommy Paul, an American player, could not convert two match points in the fourth set against Casper Ruud, losing in five sets. Frances Tiafoe faced a similar fate, leading in the fourth set against Matteo Arnaldi but slipping to a five-set defeat.
Defending champion Coco Gauff had her own struggle. Known for her strategy of ignoring the finish line during critical match points, Gauff’s tactic failed against Anastasia Potapova. Despite fighting to regain control, Gauff acknowledged losing focus when a match nears its conclusion.
For tennis players, mastering the ability to close a match is crucial. A match point may only be one point, but its significance can be immeasurable, encompassing everything from the thrill of victory to the legacy left behind. Handling the pressures of expectation, being an underdog, or leading in the score are vital skills required in tense moments.
Rafael Nadal has often played as though each point were the final one, a perspective that has led him to secure 14 Grand Slam titles at the French Open. Meanwhile, the routine of calming oneself has been demonstrated by many on the court, akin to a pitcher aiming for the final outs in a baseball game.
This year, Aryna Sabalenka faced closing stress firsthand. Leading in her quarterfinal against Diana Shnaider, Sabalenka faltered, demonstrating how unpredictable closing matches under pressure can be. She lost her opportunity despite seemingly favorable odds.
Tennis leaves no room for substitutions or relief players. Players must rely on their skills alone, as experienced by Alexander Zverev in his fourth-round match against Zachary Svajda. Zverev came within a whisker of losing control but emerged victorious.
Maja Chwalińska hopes to capitalize on consistent match wins when facing Mirra Andreeva. Each player’s journey reflects the psychological dynamics present in high-stakes tennis matches.
Jannik Sinner has gone from failing to close matches to becoming a feared closer, building confidence through critical moments and notable victories.
Sinner’s development is a testament to resilience. By addressing his shortcomings after a defeat by Alcaraz, he regained control and eventually triumphed at Wimbledon. Strategic thinking, assessment, and direct actions have contributed to his success.
For others, the close-out equation remains daunting. Tommy Paul experienced beginning and end-game struggles. Facing match points can spiral into tentative play unless a player maintains focus and asserts control.
The 2020 U.S. Open final between Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev illustrates the challenges posed when closing a Grand Slam match. Both players fought to avoid defeat, ultimately leading to a timid finish.
Experience and skill development are pivotal for players like Zverev, who hopes to rely on these attributes as he pursues his first Grand Slam title.
“Hit the serve, hit the spots, and hopefully it makes life easier,” Zverev mentioned regarding his approach to tense closing points.
The skills needed to close matches are multifaceted, encompassing psychological fortitude, strategic execution, and the ability to handle pressure. At the French Open, players face the ultimate test of these attributes as they compete for their dream of achieving a Grand Slam victory.