Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the differences in competition statistics between professional and under-18 (U-18) players by sex. A total of 546 official matches of Grand Slam were selected (268 male and 278 female). The data was obtained from the official website of the tournaments. Different variables related to match time, serve, return and winners-unforced errors were analysed. Descriptive analysis and a Mann-Whitney U test to analyse the differences between professional players and U-18 players were performed. Likewise, to estimate which variables obtained the greatest significant differences was conducted a discriminant analysis.  ATP players played longer sets and matches, had a better serve performance and hitting more winners than U-18 male players. Junior male players increased their return effectivity and hit fewer unforced errors than ATP players (p< 0.001). WTA players hit less double faults, had a better percentage of first serve-in and hit more winners than U-18 female players. Junior female hit less unforced errors than WTA players (p< 0.001). Moreover, the key differences between professional and junior players both males and females were the number of winners and unforced errors per set. Further, the match time and aces hitting were key factors that differentiated ATP players from U-18 male players. These data would be help coaches to design junior’s trainings programs, improving their performance based on key professional stage factors.

Resumen

El propósito de este estudio fue determinar las diferencias en las estadísticas de competición entre jugadores profesionales y sub-18 en tenis masculino y femenino. Se registraron un total de 546 partidos correspondientes a Grand Slam (268 masculinos y 278 femeninos). Todos los datos se obtuvieron de las páginas webs oficiales de los torneos. Se analizaron variables relacionadas con la duración del partido, servicio, resto y los golpes ganadores y errores no forzados. Se llevó a cabo un análisis descriptivo y una prueba Mann Whitney U para examinar las diferencias entre categorías, mientras que se realizó un análisis discriminante para encontrar las variables que principalmente diferencian a ambas categorías según el género. Los jugadores profesionales disputaron partidos y sets de mayor duración, además de obtener un mejor rendimiento en las variables de servicio y conseguir más golpes ganadores, mientras que los jugadores Sub-18 consiguieron más efectividad al resto y cometieron menos errores no forzados que los jugadores profesionales (p<0.001). Por su parte, las jugadoras profesionales cometieron menos dobles faltas, pusieron en juego un mayor porcentaje de primeros servicios y consiguieron más golpes ganadores, mientras que las Sub-18 cometieron menos errores no forzados (p<0.001). Sin embargo, las variables que más diferencian a ambas categorías fueron los golpes ganadores y errores no forzados por set en ambos géneros, además de la duración de los partidos y saques directos en categoría masculina. Estos datos ayudarán a los entrenadores a mejorar los programas de entrenamiento, guiando el desarrollo de jugadores Sub-18 hacia el profesionalismo.

https://doi.org/10.5232/ricyde2021.06303

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