Win 1st set easy, but struggle in 2nd.

[albertobra]

It's happening to me too much.
I win an easy 1st set, and then lose concentration.
Saturday night I lost a match after winning 1st set 6-2. I was better in any aspect of the game. Begins second set and in a glimpse I am down 0-3. I begin to make errors, got broken in 2 game where I made 2DF (didnt make any in 1st set) and absolutely lose intensity. The opponent gained confidence and closed 2nd set 6-2.
Not first time I get matches I should close easely in 2 sets, but manage to allow opponent to get back. Generally I find my game again during second set, but this time I didn't, and lost a semifinal match that in no way I should have lost.
Does it happen to you? Is there a 'cure' or it is just a psyco irrecoveral case?

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

There was a recent thread along these lines. Perhaps it will provide some answers for you:

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/lacking-in-the-second-set.600884/#post-11671378

 

[albertobra]

Thanks, very helpfull.

 

[TennisCJC]

this happens frequently to me too. It isn't always you letting down either. Opponents have their back against the wall if they lose first set and they are pushing a little harder to regroup and get ahead in the 2nd set.

I don't know any "cures" for this other than trying to stay focused and calm. Even if opponent gets an early break, try to stay calm and fight back.

 

[thomas daniels]

It's happening to me too much.
I win an easy 1st set, and then lose concentration.
Saturday night I lost a match after winning 1st set 6-2. I was better in any aspect of the game. Begins second set and in a glimpse I am down 0-3. I begin to make errors, got broken in 2 game where I made 2DF (didnt make any in 1st set) and absolutely lose intensity. The opponent gained confidence and closed 2nd set 6-2.
Not first time I get matches I should close easely in 2 sets, but manage to allow opponent to get back. Generally I find my game again during second set, but this time I didn't, and lost a semifinal match that in no way I should have lost.
Does it happen to you? Is there a 'cure' or it is just a psyco irrecoveral case?

You have to change your mindset and perception, play like you lost the first set. Play like it may be your last set of your career!! Change how you look at the set and your play will change along with it. By the way, this really works too.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

It's happening to me too much.
I win an easy 1st set, and then lose concentration.
Saturday night I lost a match after winning 1st set 6-2. I was better in any aspect of the game. Begins second set and in a glimpse I am down 0-3. I begin to make errors, got broken in 2 game where I made 2DF (didnt make any in 1st set) and absolutely lose intensity. The opponent gained confidence and closed 2nd set 6-2.
Not first time I get matches I should close easely in 2 sets, but manage to allow opponent to get back. Generally I find my game again during second set, but this time I didn't, and lost a semifinal match that in no way I should have lost.
Does it happen to you? Is there a 'cure' or it is just a psyco irrecoveral case?

Brad Gilbert in *Winning Ugly* recommends pretending you lost the first set; not everyone can pull this off, though.

Remember that just as your focus might be waning, your opponent's is waxing.

It also is likely the time when he will try something new because what he did in the first set didn't work out. And maybe you don't adjust quickly to this change.

Try to stay in the present: avoid thinking about the past ["I won the first set; I've got this"] and the future ["I'm going to steamroll him in the 2nd just like the 1st"].

This is a time to increase one's focus, not let things slide.

If all else fails, lose the 1st set on purpose.