This study explored elite fencers’ attentional focus and emotional processes during competitive foil bouts. Relationships between emotional processes (i.e., appraisal, coping strategies, and emotions) and direction of attention were investigated. Nine male athletes from a senior national team competed in a simulated tournament reproducing the Olympic format. They took part in 13 video-assisted self-confrontation interviews. Using composite sequence qualitative analysis and temporal patterning, the adaptation responses of fencers were depicted. Five situations requiring adaptation emerged: Missing, losing the point, unfavorable referee’s decision, breaks and pressure from the opponent. Fencers frequently used combined coping strategies, which often included: rest/stall, acceptance or cognitive restructuring, and strategies requiring heightened attentional effort. A combination of such strategies appeared to favor a focus on strategy or technique. On the other hand, some coping strategies (e.g., rumination, increased physical engagement) and emotions (e.g., unregulated anger) seemed to disrupt attentional focus. Results suggest that in-between points routines and automaticity of coping strategies should be developed. Overall, this study supported that attentional focus and emotional processes are closely intricated constructs. They should be studied jointly to better understand adaptation to competitive situations. They also should be considered conjointly when designing interventions in sports comprising rapidly changing conditions.