Key moments · 4 min read
The points that count double
There are moments when one point changes the match: 30-15, 15-30, the first point of each game, the game after a break, and serving it out.
Where to focus most
- The first point of each game: it sets the tone.
- 30-15 and 15-30: winning the next one puts you a point away or brings you back level.
- The game after breaking serve: consolidating matters more than celebrating.
- The game after losing your serve: try to break straight back, opponents often relax.
- 4-4 or 5-4 in each set and serving for it.
What to do on those points
- First serve in, with spin and margin.
- Your most reliable pattern, not the flashiest.
- Make your opponent play: forcing them to hit beats taking risks.
To review after the match
In the app, when you mark that your opponent was “Mentally very solid”, we ask whether you tried:
- I focused on the points that count double
- I played my most reliable pattern under pressure
- I accepted the long points
Winning Ugly, ch. 9 (“The seven hidden ad points”).