Abstract
The performance of professional tennis players in the four major Grand Slam tournaments has always been an important research topic, which advances the understanding of the current development of tennis. However, there is little known about the difference between higher-ranked and lower-ranked players considering match performance statistics. The study was aimed to explore the technical, tactical, and physical performance indicators that best discriminate seeded and non-seeded male players in Grand Slams. A total of 549 matches played by 189 individual players during 2015–2017 Grand Slam men’s singles were sampled, with corresponding match statistics gathered for each player observation, concerning players’ serving, returning, net point, break point, efficiency, and physical performance. The results showed that the seeded players outperformed the non-seeded players in serve and return, break point, net point, and efficiency-related indicators, while the following indicators contributed most to the separation of two player categories: serve and return of serve points won (%), ace (%), peak serve speed, net points won (%), break point per return game, break point saved, winner and unforced error ratio, and dominance ratio. The research findings evidenced the decreased competitive balance in men’s competition during Grand Slams due to a rank-based seeding system, whereas coaches could use the information to fine-tune the training benchmarks and match planning.
Highlights
The annual four major tennis tournaments (Australian Tennis Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open), known as Grand Slams, represent the highest level of professional tennis in the world (Gillet et al, 2009; Cui et al, 2017, 2019a)
It was demonstrated that seeded players outperformed the non-seeded in serve and return, net point, break point, and efficiency-related indicators (p < 0.01, Cohen’s d: 0.25–1.45, r: 0.13–0.62)
No significant difference was shown between two groups in Average 2nd Serve Speed AD, Return Winner, Return UE, Net Point Won in Total Points Won, and Total Distance Covered in Match
Summary
The annual four major tennis tournaments (Australian Tennis Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open), known as Grand Slams, represent the highest level of professional tennis in the world (Gillet et al, 2009; Cui et al, 2017, 2019a). Concerning the opposition quality, it was reported that more experienced and taller players outperformed their peers in all of Grand Slams, especially achieving higher serve points won and break points conversion rate (Cui et al, 2018, 2019a). This extensive range of work provides insights into nuance of elite tennis match performance indicators and inform evidence-based training. Based on the extant findings, other aspects may warrant consideration as research remains inclusive about how players’ match behavior is influenced by tournament seeding
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call