Grand Slam Research Articles

Показники змагальної діяльності висококваліфікованих дзюдоїстів легких вагових категорій на змаганнях серії Grand Slam, Grand Prix 2022 р

Purpose: to analyze the indicators of competitive activity of highly qualified judokas of light weight categories at the competitions of the Grand Slam, Grand Prix 2022 series. Material and methods. The following research methods were used during the work: analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature; timing; analysis of protocols and video recordings of fights of highly qualified judokas of weight categories up to 60 kg and up to 66 kg; methods of mathematical statistics. There were analyzed 57 fights of the final block of judoists of weight categories up to 60 kg (29 fights) and up to 66 kg (28 fights) at 8 competitions of the Grand Slam series and 2 series of Grand Prix 2022. The following indicators were recorded: the number of participants in the competition; the number of comments received by judokas; the number of disqualifications; the number of fights in extra time; the number of technical actions in the stance and on the ground. The percentage of the total number of comments and technical actions was calculated. Results: the analysis of the received remarks of highly qualified judokas of light weight categories shows that judokas of the weight category up to 60 kg received 55 remarks for all competitions, athletes up to 66 kg - 10 more (65 remarks), which shows their greater activity during the fight. For athletes under 60 kg, typical remarks for not fighting, avoiding the grip, false attack and going outside the working area. For judokas under 66 kg - for not fighting, prohibited grab, false attack and avoidance of grab. Also, athletes under 66 kg received remarks for interlacing fingers and blocking with one hand, unlike athletes under 60 kg. The analysis of the received disqualifications of judokas showed that in the weight category up to 60 kg 5 (17 %) fights ended in disqualification (4 - disqualifications for warnings; 1 for traumatic actions (head bending)). In the weight category up to 66 kg, 10 (36 %) fights ended in disqualification by reprimand. It was found that athletes of both weight categories perform approximately the same number of effective technical actions in the position of the rack, floor and lying down. The main effective technical actions that are most often used by athletes of each weight category separately in the rack, floor and lying position are revealed. Thus, in athletes of the weight category up to 60 kg, these were throws behind the back (46 %), grabs (13 %), throw over the head with a shin catch (13 %) and elbow lever (50 %). In judokas of weight category up to 66 kg these are throws over the back (18,5 %), varieties of front kicks (18,5 %) and elbow lever (100 %). Conclusions. It is established that during the fight athletes of light weight categories receive a fairly large number of comments related to reconnaissance wrestling during the fight. It was found that the fight of athletes of light weight categories mainly takes place in the stance. It is established that athletes in the weight category up to 66 kg are more technical and use more technical actions in competitions. But this applies only to the rack position. If we analyze the position of the floor, lying down, then athletes in the weight category up to 60 kg, on the contrary, have a greater arsenal of technical actions compared to the category up to 66 kg.

A peculiar phenomenon and its potential explanation in the ATP tennis tour finals for singles

Abstract The ATP finals is the concluding tournament of the tennis season since its initiation over 50 years ago. It features the 8 best players of that year and is often considered to be the most prestigious event in the sport other than the 4 grand slams. Unlike any other professional tennis tournament, it includes a round-robin stage where all players in a group compete against each other, making it a unique testbed for examining performance under forgiving conditions, where losing does not immediately result in elimination. Analysis of the distribution of final group standings in the ATP Finals for singles from 1972 to 2021 reveals a surprising pattern, where one of the possible and seemingly likely outcomes almost never materializes. The present study uses a model-free, optimization approach to account for this distinctive phenomenon by calculating what match winning probabilities between players in a group can lead to the observed distribution. Results show that the only way to explain the empirical findings is through a “paradoxical” balance of power where the best player in a group shows a vulnerability against the weakest player. We discuss the possible mechanisms underlying this result and their implications for match prediction, bettors, and tournament organization.

A statistical model to predict the results of Novak Djokovic's matches in the Australian open tennis event using the binary logistic regression

The purpose of the research was to construct a model that could forecast the probability of winning in the case of Novak Djokovic in the men’s singles grand slam event of the Australian Open and to determine the relative relevance of the match data that contribute to victory. A total number of 147 matches were recorded for all nine years i.e., from 2013 to 2021, from the first round to the exit round over the years. One of the few assumptions in logistic regression is that the dependent variable must be binary in nature. Therefore, the dependent variable selected for this study was Match Outcome (Win/Loss). Ace, (DF) Double Fault, (FS) First Serve, (FSPW) first serve point win, (SSPW) second serve point win, (BPC) Breakpoint converted, and (TPW) Total point win were selected as the predictor variables. All the data were collected from ATP world tour.com. In order to accomplish the goals of the research, the only matches that Novak Djokovic competed in during the Grand Slam AO (Australian Open), were analyzed. The prediction of the likelihood of Mr. Novak Djokovic winning or losing in the men’s singles Australian open grand slam by fitting the logistic regression model. According to the statistical significance of the predictor variables, they were numerically weighted and can be used to predict the match outcome. Out of seven predictor variables, only the variable Breakpoint Converted was included in the prediction model with a coefficient of determination (R2) of.424 (Cox & Snell) and .588 (Nagelkerke). The case adds seven independent variables and one dependent binary logistic variable for all the Australian Open Grand slam matches played from 2013 to 2021. The given result of it verifies conclusive evidence that the prediction fits quite well as it classifies an 88.9% winning probability.

COMPETITIVE SYSTEM IN PROFESSIONAL TENNIS: EVOLUTION AND MODERNITY

Introduction. The modern competition system in professional was formed and developed over two centuries. At different historical stages, it was influenced by various factors, which led to the reformation and replacement of individual components of the system, but contributed to a constant increase in its organizational and economic efficiency. Purpose is to identify the peculiarities of the formation and development of the components in professional tennis competition system in the context of history and modernity. Material and methods. The research was conducted using materials of a theoretical nature. In particular, modern works were analyzed, compared and systematized, in which separate components of the competition system in professional tennis are defined and described, as well as factors that determine the direction of improvement of tournaments or tours, as well as the system of competitions in the sport as a whole. Results. The professional direction of tennis has been developing since the 1820s. It began to gain high popularity since 1968, when the " Open Era tennis" was declared. From that time to the present day, the four Grand Slam tournaments remain the main competitions in the competition system of professional tennis players. Starting from the 1970s, the tour system of organizing tennis competitions acquires no less importance. Today, the leading role in the structure of the competition calendar belongs to the following competitions and tours (in order of importance): ATP Finals, ATP Masters 1000, ATP Cup, Tour ATP 500, Tour ATP 250, ATP Challenger Tour. All these competitions provide high prizes for the leaders. In addition, in the structure of the system of professional tennis competitions, an important place belongs to the ATP rating, which on the one hand determines the status (point) of each competition, and on the other – the positions of athletes in competitive races. Conclusions. In professional tennis today has formed a complex, extensive and at the same time highly commercialized competition system, which contains a large number of components. The formation of this system took place with constant consideration of factors of a social, economic, political, and technological nature that were/are relevant at one time or another.

Research on Negative L Life Events Among Tennis Players of Differing Success Levels

The process that athletes go through is complex and intertwined with various negative life events they are faced with. However, it is considered that overcoming challenges at an early age is connected with success in later years. Therefore, the aim of this qualitative study was to research the various negative life events (injuries, lack of financial resources, failure to be selected for the national team) of various tennis players and the way in which these events influenced their tennis career. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three categories of male tennis players (N = 30), these being: (1) Grand Slam winners, (2) players ranked between position 150 and 300 on the professional men’s tennis rankings, and (3) players ranked between position 500 and 1500 on the professional men’s tennis rankings. Data analysis was imple-mented by using reflexive thematic analysis. Three topics were generated that included: injuries and the way they dealt with them, financial resources and how this affected their sports development, and failure to be selected for their national team. The obtained results indicate that the differences between the different level of success among tennis players refer more to the overcoming of various negative life events (injuries, lack of financial resources, failure to be selected for the national team) that the players faced during their tennis careers.

Аналіз показників змагальної діяльності висококваліфікованих дзюдоїсток на змаганнях серії Grand Slam 2022 р

Purpose: to carry out an analysis of the competitive performance of highly qualified judokas at the 2022 Grand Slam series. Material and methods. During the work, the following research methods were used: analysis and generalization of scientific and methodical literature; timing; analysis of protocols and video recordings of fights of highly qualified judokas; methods of mathematical statistics. 120 fights of female judokas of all weight categories of the final block of 6 competitions of the Grand Slam 2022 series were analyzed. The following indicators were recorded: the number of comments received; number of disqualifications; the number of technical actions in the rack and in the parterre. The percentage of the total number of comments and technical actions was calculated. Results: the analysis of the received comments of highly qualified judokas shows that the athletes received the most comments for not fighting, avoiding capture, using false attacks, fighting in a defensive position, and going outside the working zone. The highest total number of comments is observed among female judokas in the weight categories up to 52 kg – 43 comments and +78 kg – 48. The smallest among athletes up to 48 kg – 27 comments and up to 70 kg – 21. It is observed that among athletes in the weight categories up to 48 kg, up to 52 kg, up to 57 kg, up to 78 kg, + 78 kg of the total number of fights, on average, 32 % ended in disqualification. In the weight categories up to 63 kg and up to 78 kg, this indicator is lower and amounts to 17% and 18%, respectively. Analysis of the technical actions of highly qualified judokas made it possible to reveal the total number of effective actions. Thus, the representatives of the categories up to 52 kg (22 evaluated technical actions: 18 (82 %) in the standing position, 4 (18 %), in the ground and lying position), up to 63 kg (19 technical actions: 18 (95 %) in the standing position and 1 (5 %), in the ground and lying position) and up to 70 kg (17 technical actions: 13 in the standing position (76 %), 4 (24 %) in the ground and lying position). Female athletes in the weight categories up to 48 kg (12 evaluated technical actions: 8 (67 %) in the standing position, 4 (33 %), in the floor and lying position) achieved fewer effective actions, up to 57 kg (12 technical actions: 10 (83 %) in the standing position and 2 (17 %), in the ground and lying position), up to 78 kg (13 technical actions: 11 in the standing position (85 %), 2 (15%) in the ground and lying position) and (19 technical actions: 18 (95 %) in a standing position and 1 (5 %), in the ground position and lying down) and + 70 kg (12 technical actions: 7 in the standing position (58 %), 5 (42 %) in the ground position and lying down). Conclusions. It has been established that during a fight, female athletes receive quite a large number of remarks for not fighting, avoiding capture, using false attacks, and fighting in a defensive position. This is explained by the fact that judokas conduct a reconnaissance fight, use defensive positions, false attacks in order to catch the opponent in a mistake. It was found that judokas of all weight categories mainly fight in a standing position. It also turned out that female athletes of middle weight categories are the most technical compared to judokas of light and heavy categories. Technical actions in the parterre position and lying down are more effective. Moreover, it is also observed that the athletes of the light and heavy categories mainly used restraint in the lying position, the judokas of the middle category additionally used the lever of the elbow joint and choking techniques. Keywords: judo, highly qualified, female athletes, weight categories, competitive activity, indicators.

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Understanding the 2021 Australian Open through an Elias lens: a case of tension, conflict and athlete outsiders

The 2021 Australian Open was like no other previous edition of the Grand Slam tennis event. Australia had virtually closed its borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic and had cut itself off from the rest of the world. Accordingly, this global event was not met with the usual enthusiasm from locals, who instead were concerned that it could increase the transmission of COVID-19 in the community. By drawing on the theories of Norbert Elias (1976, 1978) this analysis interprets the complex, evolving, dynamic environment in which the 2021 Australian Open was held. We also attempt to understand how COVID-19 intensified the ways in which Melburnians identified with and related to each other through shared experiences, and how those who displayed characteristics that did not align with their experiences and beliefs, including some of the international tennis players arriving for the Australian Open, were considered ‘outsiders,’ in constant tension with ‘insiders.’

Lifestyle challenges and mental health of professional tennis players: an exploratory case study

ABSTRACT The professional tennis tour lifestyle has become increasingly difficult over time. Although the financial strain of tour life has been identified [International Tennis Federation. (2017, March 30). ITF pro circuit review. https://www.itftennis.com/procircuit/about-pro-circuit/player-pathway.aspx], there is a gap in our understanding of the additional lifestyle challenges that professional players face and the potential impact these have on their progression and mental health. Adopting an exploratory case study methodology [Yin, R. K. (2017). Case study research and applications: Design and methods. Sage.], with “Behind the Racquet”, a social media platform aimed at raising awareness of professional players’ challenges as its case, and theoretically underpinned by [Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396.] hierarchy of needs, this study aimed to gain a contextual understanding of these challenges. Using “Behind the Racquet” as the data source provided a unique opportunity to gain authentic, self-reported experiences from a hard-to-reach population. The sample consisted of 65 professional players (33 males, 32 females; age range = 18–46 years; mean age = 27.34 years) from 28 different countries. Players achieved varying levels of success, including being Grand Slam and Olympic champions, ATP, and WTA Top 10 players, and within and outside of the world’s Top 100. Findings illustrated physical and mental fatigue, financial imbalance of the professional system, the social and psychological impact of living a nomadic existence, the weight of expectation, structural-caused instability, and mental illness as key challenges that players experience on the professional tour. These challenges, which inhibit players’ ability to meet basic needs on each level of [Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396.] hierarchy of needs, pose concerns to both players’ progression on tour and their mental health.

Match Analysis in Women’s Tennis on Clay, Grass and Hard Courts

(1) Background: Performance indicators in tennis such as service effectiveness, rally length or final shots are key factors in determining the winner of the match, although there is little research in the female category. The purpose of this research is to understand the game model in female tennis based on the type of surface. (2) Methods: A total of 2759 points were analyzed from three Grand Slam tournaments from 2019 on three different surfaces. We used observational methodology. (3) Results: The effectiveness of the first service was 62.4% on clay, 64.2% on grass and 67.5% on hard court. With the second service, effectiveness reduced in 5.5%, 11.2% and 14.5% from the first service, respectively. The service direction determines the efficiency and duration of the rally. The highest efficiency occurs with first serves to the T zone or wide zone (regardless of the service side) in short rallies (from 64.9% on clay to 86.3% on hard court). Serving to the centre reduces the chances of success (between 53.1% and 69.9%) and increases the rally length. Between 64.8% (clay) and 75.9% (hard court) of points played on first serve ended in a short rally, while on second serve it was 56.2% (clay) to 61.7% (grass). (4) Conclusions: The data of the effectiveness of the sequences of specific plays can help in the trainings of professional female tennis players.

EVALUATION OF THE PERFORMANCES OF JUDOISTS (CADETS) OF ONE WEIGHT CATEGORY AT COMPETITIONS OF DIFFERENT LEVELS FOR FIVE YEARS

The results of performances in competitions of different ranks of judokas in the weight category up to 55 kg for five years were analyzed. The analysis of competition protocols was carried out in order to determine the scope and effectiveness of competitive activities, to determine the all-Ukrainian and world ranking of athletes, to determine the strongest athletes in judo, sports results. The protocols of: Ukrainian championships were analyzed; Cups of Ukraine; European Championships; World Championships; European Cups and Grand Slam Helmet for 2017-2021 years.The results of the performances of 51 athletes who competed since 2017 (CHU-18) in the weight category of 55 kg and took part in 65 competitions, including 22 competitions of championships and Cups of Ukraine and 43 competitions of international championships and European Cups during his sports career. According to the results of the performances, the following indicators of judokas were analyzed according to their performances at competitions: results of judokas' performances at competitions of different ranks in Ukraine; results of judokas' performances at competitions abroad; the number of judokas who continued their careers in cadet, junior, youth, and adulthood separately; transition of judokas to other weight categories; increase the sports title over the years. In 5 years, more than half of judokas (70.6%) have completed their sports careers. To date, 15 out of 51 judokas continue to perform in competitions of various ranks. The ratio of judokas who took part in competitions and judokas who became prize-winners and winners tends to improve over the years. For 5 years 14 judokas competed abroad in various competitions, in 2017 - 8 athletes (1 prize-winner - 12.5%), in 2018 - 13 judokas (2 prize-winners - 15.4%), in 2019 - 7 athletes from them (2 prize-winners - 28.6%), 2020 - 1 judoka and (1 prize-winner - 100%), 2021 - 4 judokas of them (1 prize-winner - 25%).

Comparison of the game structure and point ending during Grand Slam women's doubles tennis

Despite the importance of doubles tennis, there is little research on this modality of the game, especially as per women play. The aim of this study was to analyse the structural variables and the way points ended in women's doubles, as well as to observe the differences between surfaces and between winning and losing teams. Twenty-one WTA doubles matches from three Grand Slams played on three different surfaces were analysed. Players played 2.0 ± 0.3 sets, 19.9 ± 3.2 games, 130.4 ± 25.3 points, 0.2 ± 0.6 tie breaks per match (PM), 9.5 ± 1.0 games and 62.6 ± 7.9 points per set, and 6.6 ± 0.6 points per game (PG). 33.5% of the points ended with a winner (Wn), 43.6% with a forced error (FE) and 22.8% with an unforced error (UE), with the Wn shot being the variable that most discriminated between winner and loser teams. It was also shown that the way more points were finished was with FE, followed by Wn and UE. There were no significant differences between surfaces in structural variables or point ending. These results showed that in women's doubles playing Wn shots and avoiding UE is crucial to successful performance, so that aggressive play and taking the initiative in the game has a positive influence in the result.

Demystifying the person brand – Roger Federer: the greatest of all times (G.O.A.T.)

Research methodology This case study is a compilation of data gathered from secondary data sources. Case overview/synopsis Roger Federer has won a record setting 20 grand slam titles in his career and has an impressive 103 ATP singles titles to his name. He has stood the test of time and is widely acknowledged as one of the most distinguished players of all times. His personal charisma, classic shot making abilities and consistent stylish on-court performance over a long period of time has created a brand – Roger Federer. Inevitably, as he will have to wind down his career, it would be challenging to brace the brand and identify ways for its endurance. Various models of brand management, namely, Brand Identity Prism and Customer-Based Brand Equity model, have been applied for the brand – Roger Federer. An analysis of brand-building practices can help to understand how sportspersons build brand equity and factors which characterize personal brands that develop in a professional arena. This case study also helps to dwell on how human brands will sustain themselves after the players retire. Complexity academic level This case is designed to teach the concepts of brand in courses such as brand management, marketing management and sports marketing to both undergraduate and postgraduate classes of business management. This case can also be used in various executive programs and in customized short-term courses.

A study of forecasting tennis matches via the Glicko model.

Tennis is a popular sport, and professional tennis matches are probably the most watched games globally. Many studies consider statistical or machine learning models to predict the results of professional tennis matches. In this study, we propose a statistical approach for predicting the match outcomes of Grand Slam tournaments, in addition to applying exploratory data analysis (EDA) to explore variables related to match results. The proposed approach introduces new variables via the Glicko rating model, a Bayesian method commonly used in professional chess. We use EDA tools to determine important variables and apply classification models (e.g., logistic regression, support vector machine, neural network and light gradient boosting machine) to evaluate the classification results through cross-validation. The empirical study is based on men’s and women’s single matches of Grand Slam tournaments (2000–2019). Our analysis results show that professional tennis ranking is the most important variable and that the accuracy of the proposed Glicko model is slightly higher than that of other models.

How do you solve the problem of aortic dissection?

Every vascular surgeon can remember stories of patients with aortic dissection having thrombolysis for a presumed myocardial infarction, or a V/Q scan and full anticoagulation for a likely pulmonary embolus. My most memorable story is of an international sports coach who developed tearing intrascapular chest pain during the first week of a grand slam tournament and presented to my hospital’s Emergency Department twice and was sent home twice with a prescription for Gaviscon. He felt so unwell he telephoned his physician in the United States who told him he was having an aortic dissection and to immediately go to another hospital and tell the receptionist that he was having an aortic dissection. He survived to tell his story but, given that type A dissection has a 1–2% mortality per hour within the first 24 hours, it was luck rather than excellent healthcare that saved his life.2 Whilst mortality rates are lower for acute type B dissection, they still reach 10% at 30 days.3 In short, aortic dissection is dangerous, carries a significant fatality rate and deserves a higher profile.

546 Antegrade in-stent CTO recanalization

Abstract Methods and results A 64-year-old man with prior PCI and stent of proximal LAD due to an anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presented with exertional angina (CCS III), despite optimal medical therapy (OMT). The echocardiogram showed a dilatated left ventricle with anterior and apical akinesia and a severely reduced left ventricle ejection fraction. Coronarography was performed and a chronic total occlusion was found at the proximal edge of the stent previously implanted in the proximal LAD, with a thin tapered entry (J-CTO score 1). Moderate angiographic disease was present in the circumflex (LCX) and in the right coronary artery (RCA). Interventional collaterals were absent. Dobutamine stress echocardiogram was performed to unmask myocardial viability. Indeed, during intravenous Dobutamine administration, we registered an increase in the left ventricle function, whereas only apex remained still akinetic. Accordingly, the patient underwent LAD CTO PCI using a 7 Fr EBU 4.0 guiding catheter, via right femoral artery access. The RCA ostium was engaged with a 6 Fr Judkins right 4.0 guiding catheter, via right radial artery access. Antegrade wire escalation technique was attempted. Due to scarce support, a 7 Fr Guidion guiding catheter extension and a Corsair microcatheter were placed in the proximal LAD. Antegrade crossing was very difficult due to intrastent high plaque burden. The occlusion was crossed with an Asahi Conquest Pro 9 guidewire. Subsequently, an Asahi Gaia third guidewire was advanced through the intrastent segment and then in the distal part of LAD. The advance of microcatheter was challenging but successfully achieved taking advantage of the low profile, high torqueability and trackability of the Asahi Corsair Pro microcatheter. Microcatheter tip injection confirmed the correct position in the vessel’s true lumen. An Asahi Grand Slam guidewire was placed in the distal LAD to provide extra support for delivery of interventional devices. The lesion was pre-dilated with progressively larger balloon, starting from a 1.1 mm diameter semi-compliant over-the-wire balloon (OTW). Two stents were implanted with a minimal overlap at the distal edge of the proximal stent (Resolute Onyx 3.0 × 38 mm and 2.5 × 24 mm). The result was improved with stents high-pressure post-dilatation and with selective intracoronary adenosine and nitroglycerin administration with final Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow. The total amount of contrast media used was 210 ml. The total procedure time was with 125 min with 45 min of fluoroscopy. No complications occurred. Conclusions CTO PCI still represents one of the most challenging subsets of coronary interventions despite the improvement in technology and techniques. Although data regarding percutaneous PCI CTO are still inconsistent, successful CTO recanalization has been associated with relief of angina and ischemia-related dyspnoea (Werner at al., 2018). In stable patients CTO PCI has been associated with a lower risk of death, stroke, and coronary artery bypass grafting and less recurrent angina pectoris in some registry studies (Christakopoulos et al., 2015). Additionally, CTO PCI increased left ventricle function in a subgroup of patients with LAD CTO (Henriques et al., 2016). Conversely, randomized multicentre failed to demonstrate a superiority of CTO PCI medical to OMT in terms of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and all-cause mortality.

Differentiating movement styles in professional tennis: A machine learning and hierarchical clustering approach

ABSTRACT Purpose: Recent explorations of tennis-specific movements have developed contemporary methods for identifying and classifying changes of direction (COD) during match-play. The aim of this research was to employ these new analysis techniques to objectively explore individual nuance and style factors in the execution of COD movements in professional tennis. Methods: Player tracking data from 62 male and 77 female players at the Australian Open Grand Slam were analysed for COD movements using a model algorithm, with a sample of 150,000 direction changes identified. Hierarchical clustering methods were employed on the time-motion and degree characteristics of these direction changes to identify groups of different COD performers. Results: Five unique clusters, labelled “Cutters”, “Gear Changers”, “Lateral Changers”, “Balanced Changers” and “Passive Changers” were identified in accordance with their varying speed, acceleration, degree and directionality of change features. Conclusions: Player COD clustering challenge previously held assumptions regarding on-court movement style, highlighting the complexity and variation in the sport’s locomotion demands. In practice, the speed, acceleration, directionality and degree of change characteristics of each COD style can facilitate athlete profiling and the specificity of training interventions. Highlights We used machine learning techniques and cluster analysis methodology to explore the time motion characteristics of direction change skill in professional tennis. We present five unique types of change of direction style in professional tennis players. These include “Cutters”, “Gear Changers”, “Lateral Changers”, “Balanced Changers” & “Passive Changers”. These style classifications were established in accordance with their varying speed, acceleration, degree and directionality of change features. We show that the application of machine learning techniques to player tracking data can facilitate a more intricate understanding the sport’s physical demands, which can be used to inform training programme design.

Salute to a legend's first coach

Australia boasts an enviable record of Grand Slam champions. Of these, two are further enshrined in sporting history as having won all four Grand Slam singles titles in a calendar year. Of course, we are referring to Margaret Court and Rod Laver. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, both have written books about their journey to legendary status (Court, 2016; Laver & Writer, 2013). A reading of their stories reveals a number of similarities in relation to their introduction to, and early years in, tennis. In this context, both legends give considerable praise and recognition to their first coach. This paper reviews the recognition Margaret gives to her first coach, Wally Rutter. How important was he and how did he shape her career? Before doing so, let’s briefly review Laver’s acknowledgment of his first coach, Charlie Hollis, and specifically the approach adopted by this influential coach and mentor.

Comparison of the activity profile during Grand Slam women’s doubles tennis

ABSTRACT There is little information on the female doubles tennis. The aim of this study was to describe the activity profile of women’s doubles tennis, and to analyse the differences between playing surfaces. Twenty-one matches of three Grand Slams (GS) tournaments and played on 3 different surfaces, were analysed. Activity profile included rally duration (RD), resting time between points (RTP), resting time between games (RTG), resting time between sets (RTS), resting time (RT), effective playing time (EPT), total match time (TMT), work-to-rest ratio (W: R), shots per rally (SPR), shots per game (SPG), shots per set (SPS), shots per match (SPM), shot frequency (shots/second) (SPSc), and type of shots. Results showed that RTG and RT was longer at the Australian Open than at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and the number of forehand (F) shots at Roland Garros was higher than at Wimbledon. The most common tennis shots are the F, the backhand (B), the first service and the volley (V), and more than 50% of the total shots in a match come from the baseline and mid court game. These results show that in women’s doubles the stimuli are short and intense and that net game is very important.

Energy Expenditure of a Male and Female Tennis Player during Association of Tennis Professionals/Women's Tennis Association and Grand Slam Events Measured by Doubly Labeled Water.

Doubly labeled water assessed TEE during a 17-d period analyzed by days 1 to 7 (P1) and 7-17 (P2) which included a Women's Tennis Association/Association of Tennis Professionals tournament and culminated at the Wimbledon Championships. Daily training and match loads were assessed using a 10-point Borg scale multiplied by time. Match data were provided by video analysis and player tracking technology. The TEE during P1 for the female player was 3383 kcal·d-1 (63.5 kcal·kg-1) fat-free mass (FFM) with 362 points played over 241 min in three matches covering a distance of 2569 m, with an additional 875 min training. During P2, TEE was 3824 kcal·d-1 (71.7 kcal·kg-1) FFM with 706 points played over 519 min during five matches, covering a distance of 7357 m with an additional 795 min training. The TEE during P1 for the male player was 3712 kcal·d-1 (56.3 kcal·kg-1) FFM with 133 points played over 88 min during one match covering 1125 m, with an additional 795 min training. During P2, TEE was 5520 kcal·d-1 (83.7 kcal·kg-1) FFM with 891 points played over 734 min during five matches, covering 10,043 m, with an additional 350 min training. This novel data positions elite tennis, played at the highest level, as a highly energetic demanding sport, highlighting that nutritional strategies should ensure sufficient energy availability during competition schedules.