When you watch a tennis match, it’s not just the speed of the serve or the spin on the ball that grabs you. It’s the raw feelings that flash across the players’ faces—fear, excitement, anger, relief. Those emotions decide whether a shot lands cleanly or ends in a double fault. Let’s break down why emotions matter and look at a few real moments that show the impact.
Every point starts with a mental state. A player who feels confident can hit a forehand with relaxed shoulders, while someone nervous may tense up and lose power. The pressure of a big tournament, like the US Open, can turn a routine rally into a battle of nerves. When a player’s heart races, adrenaline spikes, and reaction time improves—until the adrenaline fades and fatigue sets in.
Positive emotions such as joy and pride can lift a player’s energy. After a hard‑won break, the smile you see is a signal that the player is in flow. Negative emotions—frustration, disappointment—often lead to risky shots or racket smashes. Understanding this swing helps fans read the match and helps players manage their mindset.
Take Daniil Medvedev’s US Open meltdowns in 2025. A photographer stepped onto the court at match point, causing a delay. Medvedev’s fury erupted, he argued with the umpire, and later smashed his racket. The incident shows how a sudden interruption can flip a player from focused to explosive, affecting the outcome of the whole match.
On the flip side, Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen stunned 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova with a gritty three‑set win. Tjen stayed calm despite being the underdog, kept her breathing steady, and used each point as a fresh chance. Her composure turned a high‑pressure situation into a historic upset, the first Indonesian singles Grand Slam win in 22 years.
Even a simple crowd cheer can change the tide. When a player hears a surge of applause after a difficult save, dopamine floods the brain, boosting confidence for the next point. Conversely, a silent arena after a mistake can amplify self‑doubt.
Coaches now teach players to label their feelings—"I’m nervous" or "I’m excited"—instead of letting emotions run unchecked. Simple breathing exercises or a quick towel‑dry can reset a racing heart. Fans notice when a player takes a moment, and that pause often signals a mental reset.
In short, tennis is as much a battle of feelings as it is a battle of skill. Watching the emotional cues can make the game more exciting, and for players, mastering those cues is a shortcut to better performance. The next time you see a player slam a racket or break into a grin after a break point, you’ll know exactly why it matters.
Coco Gauff was visibly emotional at the French Open after a heated disagreement with the umpire during her semi-final match against Iga Swiatek. The dispute over a crucial call left her in tears, capturing the intense pressure and frustration athletes face at top-tier tournaments.
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