Alejandro Sánchez-Pay

Match analysis of women’s wheelchair tennis matches for the Paralympic Games

The purpose of this study was to determine the differences between winning and losing a wheelchair tennis match in the 2012 Paralympic Games. Data from 67 sets of 32 matches played by 32 female players in the 2012 Paralympic Games were analysed. The variables were grouped into four groups: variables related to the serve, to the return, to winners and errors, and variables related to net points. Univariate (Wilcoxon test) and multivariate (discriminant) analyses of data were carried out to discriminate the result of the set (win or loss). The variables that best predict the result of the set are break points won and points won on the first serve. The results showed that the winning player is a more aggressive server and serve returner, achieves more winning shots than her opponent, and commits fewer errors during the match. The paper discusses the differences between conventional tennis and wheelchair tennis and the application of the results.

Match analysis in a wheelchair tennis tournament

The aim of this study was to analyze the activity patterns of wheelchair tennis matches. 16 male singles tennis matches were played. Eight internationally ranked players were recorded and subsequently analyzed according to the following variables: total playing time, effective playing time, resting time (both in absolute values and as a percentage of total time). The average rally duration and the number of shots per rally were also recorded. The results showed a mean (SD) of match length of 61.70 (14.33) minutes, a effective playing time of 20.07 (3.67) %, a work:rest time ratio of 1:4.12 and an average duration of point of 6.93 (5.16) seconds. Most of the points end in 3 or less shots. No significant differences were found in rally duration and shots per rally with regards to non-breakpoint opportunities and breakpoint opportunities (p>0.05). Knowledge of the activity patterns within competition helps with specific training for the sport.

Differences in set statistics between wheelchair and conventional tennis on different types of surfaces and by gender

The aim of the present study was to analyse the differences in match statistics between conventional tennis (CT) and wheelchair tennis (WT) on different surfaces by gender. Data from 220 sets (127 sets of CT and 93 of WT) from three of the 2014 Grand Slams (Australian Open (AO), Roland Garros (RG), and US Open (UO)) were analysed. The variables related to match, serve, and return were studied in relation to the modality of the match (CT or WT) and type of surface (AO, RG, or UO). Data were collected from the official website of each tournament. A univariate (Mann Whitney U) analysis of data was done to analyse the differences between modalities and types of surface. The results showed that CT players had better serve performances than WT players. However, WT players had better performances in the return than CT players. The values between CT and WT for female players were more similar than male players. Regarding court surface, players of CT had more differences in game statistics than WT for both genders. These values could be used as a reference for peak performance players’ practices and competitions as well as to aid in the understanding of the differences between modalities.