The Challenges and Triumphs of Closing Matches at the French Open

In the world of tennis, few moments are more critical than closing a match to win a Grand Slam title. This weekend, four players face such a momentous task at the French Open: Mirra Andreeva, Maja Chwalińska, Alexander Zverev, and Flavio Cobolli. For two of them, it will be their first time to seize this opportunity.

The Pressure of Closing

Closing a match at a Grand Slam can become the ultimate test. Jannik Sinner’s experience in last year’s men’s French Open final exemplifies the difficulty. He held a two-set lead with three championship points but lost to Carlos Alcaraz. This year, Sinner faced a second-round defeat.

Other players have faced similar challenges. Tommy Paul of the U.S. had two match points but eventually lost to Casper Ruud. Frances Tiafoe, on the brink of victory, also faltered against Matteo Arnaldi.

Coco Gauff’s Experience

Defending champion Coco Gauff lost in the third round partly because she could not close her match against Anastasia Potapova. Gauff noted her tendency to back off when momentum favored her, identifying this as an area for improvement.

Gauff reflected on how players like Potapova play freely when behind, and she aims to maintain high-level play even when leading.

The Psychology of Tennis

Mastering the close in tennis means solving one of its greatest riddles. Each point carries different weight. A championship point holds not just the match but also the promise of a dream fulfilled.

Jannik Sinner, who learned from past experiences, is now one of tennis’s renowned closers. He transformed his 2025 French Open pain into a source of growth.

Rafael Nadal, with his 14 French Open titles, approached each point as though it were his last. This helped him remain focused under pressure.

Aryna Sabalenka’s Quarterfinal Experience

Aryna Sabalenka, top-ranked women’s player, faced a challenge against Diana Shnaider in her quarterfinal. Despite leading, she couldn’t close and lost the match. Her encounter shows how pressure can alter the course of a match.

The Closing Experience at French Open

Alexander Zverev, a four-time Grand Slam finalist, now uses experience from over 800 matches to enhance his ability to close. Despite challenges like those against Carlos Alcaraz in Australia, he remains focused, hoping his experience aids him in clinching his first Grand Slam title.

“Sometimes I close out matches like I did today, sometimes I don’t,” he said. “All I can focus on is on the ball toss. Hit the serve, hit the spots, and hopefully it makes life easier.”