Mindset most important in tennis tiebreaks

NEW YORK - The WTA Finals in Riyadh brings together 2024's top players for one final showdown.

But just because the tournament features only the game's best does not guarantee close sets. In the past two years, about as many sets have been decided 6-0 or 6-1 as they have 7-5 or 7-6.

But it is success or failure in those 7-6 sets, decided by a seven-point tiebreak, that can make or break a player's season and season finale.

"The mindset is the most important part of the tiebreak," said Pam Shriver, a Hall of Famer, ESPN analyst and coach for 19th-ranked Donna Vekic.

Shriver, who won 21 Grand Slams in doubles, said having someone by her side helped her remain calm during tiebreaks. She added: "When you take your time, things fall into place. The athlete who rushes gets into trouble."

Iga Swiatek dominated Jessica Pegula 6-1, 6-0 in the 2023 tournament's final, and she is also the best in tiebreaks among the elite eight. In the past two years, she is 6-2 in tiebreaks against top-10 players.