Tennis Match Play Research Articles

Validating and identifying KPIs in ATP/WTA hard court tennis match play (2019–2023) using the PWOL method

The study provided further validity for the use of the PWOL (percentage of matches which the winner outscored the loser) method within elite hard-court tennis. Over half of the ATP/WTA competitive calendar (January-March and August-November) is played on hard courts so is an important progression. Data from 810 men's and 586 women's hard-court matches across Grand Slams and ATP/WTA World Tours (i.e. Masters, 500s and 250s) between 2019 and 2023 was used for analysis. PWOL was validated alongside two traditionally used statistical methods (paired t-test, point-biserial correlation). Very high agreement between all approaches was shown using Spearman's correlation analysis for both men and women (>0.97). The study further identified the indicators most related to winning performance, identifying baseline points won, first serve points won, points won of 0-4 rally length and Winners:UE Ratio to be most strongly associated with success, whilst forced errors were most associated with losing. Ball three indicators lacked association with match outcome, suggesting any major focus training ‘one-two punches’ on serve should be approached with caution. PWOL has proven to be a valid method for assessing success in elite hard-court tennis (offering potential for wider sports application) to ultimately aid coach decision-making.

Quantifying Change of Direction Movement Demands in Professional Tennis Matchplay: An Analysis From the Australian Open Grand Slam.

Giles, B, Peeling, P, and Reid, M. Quantifying change of direction movement demands in professional tennis matchplay: An analysis from the Australian Open Grand Slam. J Strength Cond Res 38(3): 517-525, 2024-Change of direction (COD) contributes significantly to the movement repertoire of professional tennis players, yet the time-motion and degree demands of these changes are poorly understood. This study examines the velocity, acceleration, and angular displacement profiles of COD movements in modern professional tennis. One hundred eighty-two singles matches of Hawk-Eye player tracking data collected from the Australian Open Grand Slam were used for analysis. A novel COD classification algorithm was used to identify >120,000 medium and high-intensity CODs for analysis. Descriptive characteristics of the COD performance were calculated using player coordinate and time variables. Sex comparisons were analyzed using 2 mixed-effects models assessed for differences via likelihood ratios. Players performed 1.6 CODs per point. Both sexes executed, on average, 1.3-1.4 shots and covered 4.8 m per COD, with men performing changes every 2.7 seconds and women every 3.1 seconds. Medium-intensity COD comprised 88-94% of all identified changes. Approximately 2 in 3 CODs involved a degree of change >105°, whereas cutting maneuvers (<45°) were most commonly high-intensity COD. This study is the first to quantify the COD characteristics of professional tennis matchplay. Both sexes performed the same average number of CODs per point, however, men executed high-intensity changes twice as frequently as women, at an average of 1 every 5 points. These novel findings will help to improve the specificity of training interventions in elite tennis conditioning.

Change-of-Direction Speed Assessments and Testing Procedures in Tennis: A Systematic Review.

Schneider, C, Rothschild, J, and Uthoff, A. Change-of-direction speed assessments and testing procedures in tennis: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): 1888-1895, 2023-Change-of-direction speed (CODS) plays an essential role in tennis match play, and CODS performance is, therefore, commonly assessed and monitored in tennis players. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to describe test characteristics, performance metrics, test-retest reliability, construct validity, and test outcomes of tests that are used to assess CODS in tennis players. A literature search conducted on PubMed and SPORTDiscus yielded 563 results. After applying the eligibility criteria, a total of 27 studies were included in the present review. Ten unique CODS tests were identified. 505 test variations were most frequently used across all studies, and total time required to complete the test was the predominant performance metric investigated. Intrasession test-retest reliability ranged from "moderate" to "excellent." Intersession test-retest reliability as well as the effects of tennis performance, sex, and age on CODS performance were unclear given the subject demographics and the limited number of studies that investigated these aspects. In conclusion, most studies included CODS tests that exhibit longer COD entry and total distances but similar COD angles to those seen during tennis match play. All CODS tests have at least "moderate" intrasession test-retest reliability. However, to improve CODS assessment methods and to increase our current understanding of CODS performance in tennis players, there is a need to conduct more research on the intersession test-retest reliability, construct validity, and the effects of sex, age, and tennis performance and to investigate other performance metrics that might provide additional insights into CODS (e.g., phase-specific performance variables).

Association Between Spikes in External Training Load and Shoulder Injuries in Competitive Adolescent Tennis Players: The SMASH Cohort Study.

Background:Few studies have examined the association between the acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) and complaints/injuries in young tennis players. Primary aims of this study were to investigate if accumulated external workload “spikes” in ACWR of tennis training, match play, and fitness training, and to see if high or low workload/age ratio were associated with the rate of shoulder complaints/injuries in competitive adolescent tennis players. Additional aims were to report the incidence of complaints/injuries stratified by sex and level of play and to describe shoulder injury characteristics.Hypothesis:Rapid increases in external workload are associated with the incidence of shoulder complaints and injuries.Study Design:A cohort study.Level of Evidence:Level 3.Methods:At baseline, 301 adolescent competitive tennis players, 13 to 19 years, were screened and followed weekly for 52 weeks with questionnaires, in the years 2018 to 2019. Information about time-varying accumulated external workload spikes (uncoupled ACWR >1.3), and workload/age ratio, in 252 uninjured players were used in Cox regression analyses with the outcomes shoulder complaints (≥20) and injuries (≥40) (Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire).Results:For each additional workload spike in tennis training/match play, the hazard rate ratio (HRR) was 1.26 (95% CI, 1.13-1.40) for a shoulder complaint and 1.26 (95% CI, 1.15-1.39) for a shoulder injury. The HRR for fitness training was 1.11 (95% CI, 1.02-1.20) for a shoulder complaint and 1.18 (95% CI, 1.09-1.27) for a shoulder injury. Workload/age ratio was not associated with the rate of shoulder complaints or injuries.Conclusion:Accumulated external workload spikes of tennis training, match play, and/or fitness training are associated with a higher rate of shoulder complaints and shoulder injuries in competitive adolescent tennis players.Clinical Relevance:Consistency in training load on a weekly basis is most likely more beneficial for adolescent tennis players regarding shoulder complaints/injuries than a training schedule comprising rapid increases (ie, spikes) in workload.

External Training Load and the Association With Back Pain in Competitive Adolescent Tennis Players: Results From the SMASH Cohort Study.

Background:In young tennis players, high loads on the spine and high training volumes in relation to age are associated with a high lifetime prevalence of back pain. The primary aim of this study was to investigate if accumulated external workload “spikes” in the acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) of tennis training, match play, and fitness training, and if high or low workload/age ratio were associated with back pain events in competitive adolescent tennis players. Additional aims were to report the incidence of back pain stratified by sex and level of play and to describe the characteristics of players with back pain.Hypothesis:Rapid increases in external workload are associated with the incidence of back pain.Study Design:Cohort study of 198 competitive tennis players, 13 to 19 years, with a weekly follow-up for 52 consecutive weeks.Level of Evidence:Level 3.Methods:Accumulated external workload spikes (uncoupled ACWR >1.3), and the workload/age ratio, were time-varying exposures in Cox regression analyses with the outcome back pain (pain intensity ≥2/10 in the lower back and/or in the upper back/neck with a pain-related disability).Results:For each additional workload spike in tennis training/match play, the hazard rate ratio (HRR) was 1.17 (95% CI, 1.06-1.28) for back pain. The corresponding HRR for fitness training was 1.13 (95% CI, 1.05-1.22). Training workload/age ratio was not related to back pain.Conclusion:Accumulated external workload spikes of tennis training, match play, and/or fitness training are associated with a higher rate of back pain events in competitive adolescent tennis players.Clinical Relevance:Back pain is a troublesome clinical problem that may affect the performance of talented young tennis players. Structuring the training schedule to minimize rapid increases (ie, spikes) of training load on a weekly basis may enhance performance and reduce back pain in adolescent tennis players.

Recovery during and after a simulated multi-day tennis tournament: Combining active recovery, stretching, cold-water immersion, and massage interventions

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a mixed-method recovery intervention (MMR) consisting of active recovery, stretching, cold-water immersion, and massage on physical, technical, physiological, and perceptual recovery during and after a five-day simulated tennis tournament. Nine competitive male tennis players (age, 24.6±4.2 years) with national ranking positions (German Tennis Federation) and Universal Tennis Ratings between approximately 11–13 participated in two singles tennis tournaments, which were separated by a three-month washout period. During the tournaments, participants played five two-and-a-half-hour competitive singles tennis match on five consecutive days. For the assignment to one of two groups, athletes were matched into homogeneous pairs according to their ranking. Then, within each pair, the players were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group performed MMR during the first tournament, whereas the other group used passive recovery (PAS). During the second tournament, recovery conditions were interchanged. Measures of physical and technical performance as well as physiological and perceptual responses (heart rate, blood lactate concentration, perceived exertion) were recorded during match-play sessions. Furthermore, muscle soreness, perceived recovery state, blood markers, countermovement jump height (CMJ), and repeated sprint ability (RSA) were determined before, during, and after the five-day tournament periods. Results showed significant changes over time (P < 0.05) in muscle soreness, perceived recovery state, creatine kinase, c-reactive protein, insulin-like growth factor 1, and countermovement jump height. However, no significant differences or recovery strategy x time interactions were noted either for tennis-specific performance (e.g. number of total points won) or any other of the measured parameters between MMR and PAS (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the repeated use of MMR during and after a five-day tennis tournament did not affect match performance, match load, or recovery from repeated days of tennis match play.

Environmental and Psychophysical Heat Stress in Adolescent Tennis Athletes.

We investigated the environmental conditions in which all outdoor International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior tournaments (athlete ages: <18 y) were held during 2010-2019. Thereafter, we performed a crossover trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04197375) assessing the efficacy of head-neck precooling for mitigating the heat-induced psychophysical and performance impacts on junior athletes during tennis match play. ITF junior tournament information was collected. We identified meteorological data from nearby (13.6 [20.3]km) weather stations for 3056 (76%) tournaments. Overall, 30.1% of tournaments were held in hot (25°C-30°C wet-bulb globe temperature [WBGT]; 25.9%), very hot (30°C-35°C WBGT; 4.1%), or extremely hot (>35°C WBGT; 0.1%) conditions. Thereafter, 8 acclimatized male junior tennis athletes (age = 16.0 [0.9]y; height = 1.82 [0.04]m; weight = 71.3 [11.1]kg) were evaluated during 2 matches: one with head-neck precooling (27.7°C [2.2°C]WBGT) and one without (27.9°C [1.8°C]WBGT). Head-neck precooling reduced athletes' core temperature from 36.9°C (0.2°C) to 36.4°C (0.2°C) (P = .001; d = 2.4), an effect reduced by warm-up. Head-neck precooling reduced skin temperature (by 0.3°C [1.3°C]) for the majority of the match and led to improved (P < .05) perceived exertion (by 13%), thermal comfort (by 14%), and thermal sensation (by 15%). Muscle temperature, heart rate, body weight, and urine specific gravity remained unaffected (P ≥ .05; d < 0.2). Small or moderate improvements were observed in most performance parameters assessed (d = 0.20-0.79). Thirty percent of the last decade's ITF junior tournaments were held in hot, very hot, or extremely hot conditions (25°C-36°C WBGT). In such conditions, head-neck precooling may somewhat lessen the physiological and perceptual heat strain and lead to small to moderate improvements in the match-play performance of adolescent athletes.

Acute Beetroot Juice Supplementation Does Not Improve Match-Play Activity in Professional Tennis Players

Objective Beetroot juice is a source of dietary nitrate (NO3-) recognized as a potential ergogenic aid to enhance tolerance during endurance exercise of submaximal-to-maximal intensity. However, little is known about the effects of beetroot juice on exercise performance in intermittent sports such as tennis. The present study aimed to determine the effect of acute beetroot juice supplementation on movement patterns during a competitive tennis match in professional players. Methods In a double-blind and randomized experiment, nine professional tennis players performed two experimental trials 3 h after ingesting either 70 mL of a commercially-available concentrated beetroot juice (6.4 mmol NO3-) or placebo (0.005 mmol NO3-). In each experimental trial, players completed a 3-set tennis match and two performance tests (i.e., serve speed and isometric handgrip strength) before and after the match. Match-play running performance was recorded using wearable GPS and accelerometer units. Results In comparison to the placebo trial, the acute beetroot juice supplementation did not modify any match-play running performance (p = 0.178 to 0.997, d = 0.01 to 0.42). Furthermore, beetroot juice supplementation did not alter the pre-to-post match change in serve speed (p = 0.663, ηp 2 = 0.03) or isometric handgrip strength (p = 0.219, ηp 2 = 0.18). Conclusions: The current results indicated that acute ingestion of a commercialized shot of nitrate-rich beetroot juice (70 mL containing 6.4 mmol of NO3-) did not produce any performance benefit on tennis matchplay. Thus, acute beetroot juice supplementation seems an ergogenic aid with little value to enhance physical performance in professional tennis players.

Physiological responses and time-motion characteristics of young tennis players: comparison of serve vs. return games and winners vs. losers matches

The aim of this study was to compare the physiological responses and time-motion characteristics of young tennis players between serve vs. return games and winners vs. losers matches during simulated tennis match play. Heart rate (HR) and skin temperature (ST) were monitored along with total distance covered in four different speed zones—walking, low-intensity running, moderate-intensity running and high-intensity running, using two portable multivariable integrated 10 Hz GPS monitoring devices over fourteen outdoor clay court matches; ratings of perceived exertion were also determined at the end of the game. Variables describing the characteristics of the matches determined from video recordings were: strokes per rally, rally duration, effective playing time, work-to-rest ratio and rest time between rallies. The results showed no significant differences in physiological responses and time-motion characteristics both serve vs. return games and winners vs. losers matches (p > .05). These findings might be used for the training programmes in order to improve the tennis-specific technical and performance required for young tennis players.

Movement analysis and metabolic profile of tennis match play: comparison between hard courts and clay courts

This study aimed to define the movement analysis and metabolic model in tennis on hard courts and clay courts. Twenty-four tennis players were equipped with a 15 Hz GPS and a Polar. H7 and played a match on each playing surface. The average duration of matches was 76 Å} 24 (C) and 69 Å} 17 min (H). The maximum heart rate (HRmax) was 185 Å} 14 (C) and 178 Å} 10 bpm (H), the average heart rate (HRav) was 144 Å} 14 (C) and 139 Å} 12 bpm (H). The average metabolic power (MPav) was 3.93 Å} .34 (C) and 3.70 Å} .34 W Å~ kg−1 (H) (ES = .72, C > H, +6%). The ANOVA and the post hoc showed significant differences regarding the considered parameters on both the surfaces. The t-test highlighted significant surface-related differences (ES = .88, C > H, +26%) concerning accelerations performed between 50 and 60% of the maximum value, decelerations between 40 and 50% of the maximum (ES = 1.28, H > C, +37%), metabolic power between 0 and 10 W Å~ kg−1 (ES = .71, H > C, +1%), and 10 and 20 W Å~ kg−1 (ES = .78, C > H, +15%).

Training intensity distribution in young tennis players

The aim of this study was to describe the training intensity distribution of elite young tennis players, based on the session rating of perceived exertion and heart rate methods. Twelve professional tennis players participated in this study. Heart rate and session rating of perceived exertion were collected in 384 tennis training sessions, 23 simulated matches, and 17 official matches. The total training time spent in the heart rate zone-1 (52.00%) and zone-2 (37.10%) was greater than the time spent in zone-3 (10.90%) during the 5-week training period ( p &lt; 0.05). Similarly, the total training time spent in the session rating of perceived exertion zone-1 (42.00%) and zone-2 (47.50%) was also greater than the time in zone-3 (10.50%) ( p &lt; 0.05). The data of the present study suggest that the majority of the training sessions of these young tennis players were performed at low-to-moderate intensity zone and, therefore, under the intensity performed during actual tennis match play.

Effects of consecutive days of match play on technical performance in tennis

ABSTRACTElite tennis is characterised by repeated bouts of up to 5-set match play, yet little is known about the technical requirements of shots played. This study therefore investigated technical performance changes over consecutive days of prolonged, simulated tennis match play. A total of 7 well-trained men tennis players performed 4 consecutive days of competitive 4-h match play. Matches were notated to determine between-day changes in groundstroke and serve performance, as well as point and match durations. Changes ≥75% likely to exceed the smallest important effect size (0.2) were considered meaningful and represented as effect size ± 90% confidence interval. Effective playing time reduced on days 3 and 4, alongside likely increases in “stretch” groundstrokes over the 4 days (mean effect size ± 90% confidence interval; 0.57 ± 0.38) and “stretch” backhand returns on days 2 and 3 (0.39 ± 0.54 and 0.67 ± 0.55). Relative unforced errors increased on day 4 (vs. day 2; 0.36 ± 0.22) and second-serve winning percentage reduced after day 1 (−0.47 ± 0.50). Further, a likely increase in emotional outbursts characterised day 3 (vs. day 2; 0.73 ± 0.57). Consecutive-day match play impairs hitting accuracy, stroke positioning and emotional responses; an understanding of which prepares players for elite-standard tennis tournament play.

Influence of a Prolonged Tennis Match Play on Serve Biomechanics.

The aim of this study was to quantify kinematic, kinetic and performance changes that occur in the serve throughout a prolonged tennis match play. Serves of eight male advanced tennis players were recorded with a motion capture system before, at mid-match, and after a 3-hour tennis match. Before and after each match, electromyographic data of 8 upper limb muscles obtained during isometric maximal voluntary contraction were compared to determine the presence of muscular fatigue. Vertical ground reaction forces, rating of perceived exertion, ball speed, and ball impact height were measured. Kinematic and upper limb kinetic variables were computed. The results show decrease in mean power frequency values for several upper limb muscles that is an indicator of local muscular fatigue. Decreases in serve ball speed, ball impact height, maximal angular velocities and an increase in rating of perceived exertion were also observed between the beginning and the end of the match. With fatigue, the majority of the upper limb joint kinetics decreases at the end of the match. No change in timing of maximal angular velocities was observed between the beginning and the end of the match. A prolonged tennis match play may induce fatigue in upper limb muscles, which decrease performance and cause changes in serve maximal angular velocities and joint kinetics. The consistency in timing of maximal angular velocities suggests that advanced tennis players are able to maintain the temporal pattern of their serve technique, in spite of the muscular fatigue development.

Influence of Playing a Prolonged Tennis Match on Shoulder Internal Range of Motion

Background: Shoulder range of motion (ROM) deficits have been identified as an injury risk factor among tennis players. It is well known that shoulder internal rotation deficit increases with age and years of play, but there is a lack of knowledge regarding the influence of a prolonged tennis match on shoulder ROM. Purpose: To examine changes in shoulder ROM during a prolonged tennis match. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Shoulder passive internal and external rotation ROM were measured on 8 male tennis players before, every 30 minutes during, and just after a 3-hour tennis match. Total ROM was calculated as the combination of shoulder internal and external rotations. Ball velocity on the serve was measured with a radar gun before, at midmatch, and just after the match. Results: Decreases in shoulder internal rotation (–20.8°; P = .005), total ROM (–24.6°; P = .001), and serve velocity (–1.8 m/s; P = .002) were observed at the end of the match. No statistically significant difference was observed for shoulder external rotation after the match (P = .460). Conclusion: Passive shoulder internal rotation and total ROM are significantly decreased during a 3-hour tennis match. Clinical Relevance: The results show that a prolonged tennis match play can modify values of shoulder ROM.

Consecutive days of prolonged tennis match play: performance, physical, and perceptual responses in trained players.

To determine how consecutive days of prolonged tennis match play affect performance, physiological, and perceptual responses. Seven well-trained male tennis players completed 4-h tennis matches on 4 consecutive days. Pre- and postmatch measures involved tennis-specific (serve speed and accuracy), physical (20-m sprint, countermovement jump [CMJ], shoulder-rotation maximal voluntary contraction, isometric midthigh pull), perceptual (Training Distress Scale, soreness), and physiological (creatine kinase [CK]) responses. Activity profile was assessed by heart rate, 3D load (accumulated accelerations measured by triaxial accelerometers), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Statistical analysis compared within- and between-days values. Changes (± 90% confidence interval [CI]) ≥75% likely to exceed the smallest important effect size (0.2) were considered practically important. 3D load reduced on days 2 to 4 (mean effect size ± 90% CI -1.46 ± 0.40) and effective playing time reduced on days 3 to 4 (-0.37 ± 0.51) compared with day 1. RPE did not differ and total points played only declined on day 3 (-0.38 ± 1.02). Postmatch 20-m sprint (0.79 ± 0.77) and prematch CMJ (-0.43 ± 0.27) performance declined on days 2 to 4 compared with prematch day 1. Although serve velocity was maintained, compromised postmatch serve accuracy was evident compared with prematch day 1 (0.52 ± 0.58). CK increased each day, as did ratings of muscle soreness and fatigue. Players reduced external physical loads, through declines in movement, over 4 consecutive days of prolonged competitive tennis. This may be affected by tactical changes and pacing strategies. Alongside this, impairments in sprinting and jumping ability, perceptual and biochemical markers of muscle damage, and reduced mood states may be a function of neuromuscular and perceptual fatigue.

Data logger device applicability for wheelchair tennis court movement

Assessment of movement logging devices is required to ensure suitability for the determination of court-movement variables during competitive sports performance and allow for practical recommendations to be made. Hence, the purpose was to examine wheelchair tennis speed profiles to assess data logger device applicability for court-movement quantification, with match play stratified by rank (HIGH, LOW), sex (male, female) and format (singles, doubles). Thirty-one wheelchair tennis players were monitored during competitive match play. Mixed sampling was employed (male = 23, female = 8). Friedman’s test with Wilcoxon signed-rank post hoc testing revealed a higher percentage of time below 2.5 m · s−1 [<2.5 vs. ≥2.5 m · s−1: 89.4 (5.0) vs. 1.2 (3.5)%, Z = −4.860, P < 0.0005, r = 0.87] with the remaining time [9.0 (4.9%)] spent stationary. LOW-ranked players were stationary for longer than HIGH-ranked counterparts [12.6 (8.7) vs. 8.2 (5.1)%, U = 30.000, P = 0.011, r = 0.46] with more time at low propulsion speeds (<1.0 m · s−1). HIGH-ranked and doubles players spent more time in higher speed zones than respective counterparts. Females spent more time in the 1.0–1.49 m · s−1 zone (U = 48.000, P = 0.047, r = 0.36). Regardless of rank, sex or format, propulsion speeds during wheelchair tennis match play are consistent with data logger accuracy. Hence, data logging is appropriate for court-movement quantification.

Effect of Carbohydrate Supplementation on the Physiological and Perceptual Responses to Prolonged Tennis Match Play

Carbohydrate supplementation is a popular nutritional practice used in tennis to enhance physical capacities, motor-skill performance, and delay fatigue. However, the effects of carbohydrate supplementation on physiological and perceptual responses during tennis match play are not established. This double blind, randomized, placebo (PLA)-controlled crossover study was designed to determine the influence of carbohydrate supplementation (0.5 g·kg·h) on glycemia, salivary hormones (cortisol and testosterone) concentration, salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentration, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during 3 hours of tennis match play in 12 well-trained tennis players. The only significant difference between the 2 conditions was a lower salivary cortisol concentration postmatch in the carbohydrate trial (p < 0.05); however, there was a trend for higher glucose concentration (p = 0.06) and lower session-RPE (p = 0.08) after tennis match play in the carbohydrate condition, which may have some practical implications. There was no change in salivary testosterone, salivary IgA, and RPE responses during tennis match play between conditions (p > 0.05). These data indicate that carbohydrate ingestion during 3 hours of competitive tennis match play helps to maintain glycemia and attenuates the increase in salivary cortisol concentration compared with PLA.

Effect of Low-Compression Balls on Wheelchair Tennis Match-Play

The purpose of this study was to compare court-movement variables and physiological responses to wheelchair tennis match-play when using low vs. standard compression tennis balls. Eleven wheelchair basketball players were monitored during repeated bouts of tennis (20 min) using both ball types. Graded and peak exercise tests were completed. For match-play, a data logger was used to record distance and speed. Individual linear heart rate oxygen consumption relationships were used to estimate match-play oxygen uptake. Significant main effects for ball type revealed that total distance (P<0.05), forward distance (P<0.05), and average speed (P<0.05) were higher for play using a low-compression ball. A lower percentage of total time was spent stationary (P<0.001), with significantly more time spent at speeds of 1-1.49 (P<0.05), 1.5-1.99 (P<0.05) and 2.0-2.49 (P<0.05) m ∙ sec(-1) when using the low-compression ball. Main effects for physiological variables were not significant. Greater total and forward distance, and higher average speeds are achieved using a low-compression ball. The absence of any difference in measured HR and estimated physiological responses would indicate that players move further and faster at no additional mean physiological cost. This type of ball will be useful for novice players in the early phases of skill development.

Wheelchair Tennis Match-Play Demands: Effect of Player Rank and Result

To examine the heart-rate (HR) response and court-movement variables during wheelchair tennis match play for high- (HIGH) and low- (LOW) performance-ranked players. Analysis of physiological and movement-based responses during match play offers an insight into the demands of tennis, allowing practical recommendations to be made. Fourteen male open-class players were monitored during tournament match play. A data logger was used to record distance and speed. HR was recorded during match play. Significant rank-by-result interactions revealed that HIGH winners covered more forward distance than HIGH losers (P < .05) and had higher average (P < .05) and minimum (P < .01) HRs than LOW winners. LOW losers had higher average (P < .01) and minimum (P < .001) HRs than LOW winners. Independent of result, a significant main effect for rank was identified for maximum (P < .001) and average (P < .001) speed and total (P < .001), reverse (P < .001), and forward-to-reverse (P < .001) distance, with higher values for HIGH. Independent of rank, losing players experienced higher minimum HRs (P < .05). Main effects for maximum HR and actual playing time were not significant. Average playing time was 52.0 (9.1) min. These data suggest that independent of rank, tennis players were active for sufficient time to confer health-enhancing effects. While the relative playing intensity is similar, HIGH players push faster and farther than LOW players. HIGH players are therefore more capable of responding to ball movement and the challenges of competitive match play. Adjustments to the sport may be required to encourage skill developmental in LOW players, who move at significantly lower speeds and cover less distance.

Carbohydrate-Electrolyte Drink Ingestion and Skill Performance During and After 2 hr of Indoor Tennis Match Play

Twenty-two tennis players were individually studied on 2 occasions. They performed a prematch skill test, a 2-hr tennis match against an equally ranked opponent, and a postmatch skill test. A carbohydrate-electrolyte (CHO-E; Lucozade Sport) or flavor-matched placebo-electrolyte (PL) beverage was administered in a double-blind fashion. During the trials, heart-rate and movement intensity were monitored, and the match was recorded for performance analysis. There were no differences in skill-test scores pre- to postmatch or between trials (154±38 pre- and 160±35 postmatch on PL, 155±36 pre- and 165±33 postmatch on CHO-E). CHO-E ingestion elevated blood glucose concentration throughout the match, and participants reported feeling more energetic (general activation) and more tense (high activation) 1 hr into the match than at baseline (p<.05). Participants in the CHO-E trial spent more time in moderate-intensity activity and less time in low-intensity activity than on PL. Performance analysis revealed that CHO-E ingestion increased overall serve success (M±SD, 68%±7% for CHO-E vs. 66%±7% for PL; p<.05) and success of first serves (65%±9% for CHO-E, 61%±7% for PL; p<.01) and serves to the advantage side (70%±9% for CHO-E, 66%±7% for PL; p<.05). Return success was greater during the second set of the match (p<.05) in the CHO-E trial. Differences in serve and return success were not associated with blood glucose response to CHO or player ability.