Mindset most important in tennis tiebreaks

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

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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.