Why Alcaraz smiled after losing two match points

At the 2025 US Open final against Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz lost two match points.

And then he smiled.

After the match, he was asked about it.

He said he was really scared, but smiling helped him calm down and get rid of all the nerves.

It sounds simple. But it works. 🙂

Here’s what’s happening in your brain when you smile.

When you smile, your brain gets a signal that everything is okay. It releases “feel-good chemicals” and lowers cortisol, the hormone that makes you feel stressed and tense. Your whole body starts to relax.

Many players do the opposite. When things get tight, they show frustration, drop their racket, or make a big sigh.

That makes things worse, because your brain reads those signals too and thinks that something is really wrong.

So next time you lose an important point or are serving at a big moment, try it.

I think it’s the simplest and coolest mental tool you can use when you’re anxious. 🙂