Have you gotten in a match and wondered why you can't perform the same way you do in practice?
So, how can you change this? Practice as if it's a match.
Keep score.
Its hard to replicate the pressure of a tournament in practice, but you can still benefit from playing baseline games, sets, tie-breakers, anything keeping score. Challenge yourself and teammates when competing. Push yourself to come back in a practice match, or learn to slow down the tempo in a baseline game when your opponent is playing well. Play multiple practice matches in a day to work on mental endurance and focus. Having the ability to focus when you’re tired in practice will translate well to your tournament play.
Discipline.
Do you prepare and focus in practice like you do in a match? It takes discipline. Show up to practice on time. Stretch and warm-up the same way you would before a match. If you are playing with friends, limit the chit chat! If you're playing a set with a friend, don't sit and talk on water breaks...rather, think about what you need to do to turn a match around or keep the lead. Focus and refocus, it takes both mental and physical discipline.