Fluctuating phenomenon in competitive performance: a mediating effect analysis based on mental state of Chinese women’s singles tennis player

In women’s tennis, fluctuating competitive performance is a prevalent issue, studying it can reveal new ways to monitor and adjust competitive performance. Based on the model of competitive ability, this study examines the fluctuating phenomenon of the competitive performance of Chinese women’s singles tennis players. Using questionnaires and interviews to investigate women’s singles tennis players who participated in the National competition and the China Tennis Tour. Through empirical study, it was found that in the rising phase, matching sports intelligence with mental state is the primary factor for athletes to achieve an advantage; in the flattening phase, mental state becomes the “amplifier” to break the critical point in the competitive stalemate; in the falling phase, physical ability is the cornerstone for athletes to recover the score when behind the opponent. Therefore, athletes can timely adjust and optimize the key factors that affect competitive performance according to the competition phase.