How to Start a Tennis Match: Confidence or Showmanship?

As a coach, I have seen countless times the same mistake among medium and advanced-level players, especially juniors aged 13–14. The nerves at the beginning of a match often make them believe they need to impress their opponent with a flat serve down the “T.” They think that if they hit hard and clean, they’ll look like a professional.

The reality is different: the percentage drops dramatically, and in many cases, the first point goes directly to the opponent. Instead of starting in control, the player begins with disappointment and added pressure.

How Experienced Players Approach It

Those who have gone through performance tennis know that the beginning of a match is not the time for unnecessary risks. I’ve worked with athletes who quickly understood the value of a slice serve to the body or a kick serve placed with consistency. These serves may not look spectacular, but they offer two major benefits:

• They provide security and confidence in execution.
• They immediately put the opponent in an uncomfortable situation.

A mature player knows that the first points are about finding rhythm and building the match, not about showing who can hit harder.

Real Examples from Training

I’ve had players who, in the beginning, constantly tried the flat serve down the “T.” After losing several matches due to low percentage, they realized they needed to change their approach. Once they started serving slice to the body, they discovered not only that they were winning more points, but also that their confidence on court increased quickly.

This is an essential lesson: in tennis, smart decisions beat short-term showmanship.

What You Should Do as a Player

• Choose a first serve with a high percentage, not the one that only looks “cool.”
• Think tactically, think long-term.
• Build rhythm step by step, leaving risky shots for the right moments.

Conclusion

Tennis is a sport of percentages and mental balance. At medium-advanced level, the difference is no longer made by power alone, but by smart decisions and consistency. A well-placed slice or kick serve is far more valuable at the start of a match than a risky flat serve.

As a coach, I always tell my players: the start of a match should bring you confidence, not pressure. If you learn to think this way, you will step onto the court with a real advantage, regardless of your opponent’s level.

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