Rafael Martínez-Gallego

Maintaining physiological function, mobility, and independence throughout aging remains a major challenge in exercise and health sciences. Physical activity is widely recognized as a key determinant of healthy aging, yet different sports may confer distinct biological benefits. Tennis is unique in that it combines aerobic and anaerobic exercise, neuromuscular coordination, cognitive engagement, perceptual demands, and functional movement demands (balance, agility, change-of-direction performance, motor coordination) within a single activity. This comprehensive review synthesizes current evidence regarding the biological adaptations associated with tennis participation across the lifespan and evaluates its potential contribution to healthy aging and longevity. Available evidence indicates that regular tennis participation is associated with improved cardiovascular and cardiometabolic health, enhanced musculoskeletal function, greater bone mineral density, maintenance of cognitive and perceptual abilities, and improved psychological well-being. Studies involving veteran and masters tennis players further suggest that long-term participation may attenuate age-related declines in physical and cognitive function while supporting successful aging and quality of life. Emerging research also highlights potential benefits related to neuromuscular function, sensorimotor performance, perceptual-cognitive abilities and functional independence. Collectively, the literature supports tennis as a multidimensional lifelong physical activity capable of promoting health across biological, psychological, and social domains. While much of the current evidence remains observational, the available literature consistently suggests that tennis participation is associated with adaptations relevant to healthy aging and functional health. Further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms and strengthen evidence-based recommendations for healthy aging, maintenance of physical function, and preservation of mobility across the lifespan.

The widespread adoption of positioning technologies has increased the need to evaluate the measurement quality of positional data determination in real operational contexts. Reliable positional measurements are essential to ensure robust scientific analyses and support data-driven decision-making. This study aims to evaluate the impact of contextual variables on the quality of ultra-wideband (UWB) and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) positional data under controlled tennis-specific conditions. Four static tests were conducted on an official tennis court using WIMU PRO™ sensors with both UWB and GNSS technology. Devices were placed on tripods and athletes at central, service box, and external court reference points during tests lasting from 1 to 30 min. Over 865 000 data points were collected to assess how device placement, orientation, and location affect positioning accuracy (including coordinates, distances, and areas) over time. The accuracy of both systems varied with contextual factors. Notably, sensor placement and orientation significantly influenced GNSS accuracy, whereas UWB demonstrated stable measurement performance across all evaluated contextual conditions. Extended measurement duration magnified GNSS error dispersion, while UWB performance remained robust over time. The findings demonstrate that contextual variables are an important source of measurement uncertainty in positioning systems and should be considered when interpreting data. Based on these findings, a practical quality-control protocol is proposed to assess and monitor data quality before and during positional data acquisition.

Objectives: This study investigates the barriers and supports experienced by female tennis coaches worldwide, with a focus on exploring regional disparities, especially between African and non-African coaches. Theoretical frameworks such as Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory and the Self-Determination Theory provided a foundation for analyzing multi-level challenges and opportunities. Methods: Utilizing data from 55 female tennis coaches across 45 nations, the research employs a comparative approach. A questionnaire, adapted from the Barriers to Sports Coaching Questionnaire for Women (BSCQW), assessed challenges and facilitators across four levels: sociocultural, organizational, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. Results: Results reveal shared challenges such as financial instability, limited mentorship opportunities, and work-life balance struggles. African coaches reported greater job insecurity and systemic discrimination compared to their counterparts from other regions. In contrast, non-African coaches perceived administrative burdens and career advancement constraints as more prominent issues. Findings suggest the need for tailored interventions, including mentorship programmes, flexible scheduling, and gender equality policies to mitigate barriers and promote inclusivity. Conclusion: The study highlights the positive impact of educational and networking programmes, which enhance self-confidence, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote professional development. This research fills a critical gap by addressing underrepresentation and unique challenges faced by female tennis coaches globally, with implications for regional policy development and practical applications. Addressing these systemic barriers and supports is vital for fostering a diverse and equitable coaching environment, inspiring future generations of female coaches, and enhancing tennis's global appeal.

Understanding internal load in youth tennis is essential for optimizing training strategies and ensuring healthy development. This study analyzed the influence of ball type (green vs. standard) on heart rate (HR) responses in 19 players (10.17 ± 1.1 years). Participants competed in 72 matches under a cross-over design while monitored with Wimu Pro™ Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems and Garmin HR bands. Data were analyzed using a Bayesian repeated-measures ANOVA, incorporating biological maturation and physical activity levels as covariates. Results indicated anecdotal evidence in favor of the null model for Max HR and moderate evidence in favor of the null model for Avg HR. These findings suggest no clear evidence of a meaningful ball-type effect on acute cardiovascular responses under the short-format match-play conditions studied. Individual characteristics, particularly maturity-related indicators and habitual physical activity, appeared more informative than ball type, although their evidential support differed across heart-rate outcomes. Therefore, the acute physiological response appeared to be similar between ball conditions in this specific pilot setting, but these findings should be interpreted as preliminary rather than definitive. Overall, these findings highlight the value of sensor-based monitoring for contextualizing internal load in youth tennis and suggest that equipment transitions should be guided by individual developmental and activity-related characteristics rather than ball type alone.

The Serve + 1 sequence is critical in tennis, yet its tactical evolution during the key U12-to-U14 transition in elite female players remains under-studied. This study used sequence analysis to compare Serve + 1 patterns and characterize the tactical development between these two age groups. This study conducted an exploratory sequence analysis to identify and compare 1298 points from 12 international tournament matches involving a total of 17 unique players, distributed across the elite U12 (n = 9 unique players) and U14 (n = 8 unique players) players. Four-event sequences (Serve Direction > Third-Shot Type > Impact Zone > Bounce Zone) were systematically coded. Data were analyzed using sequence dissimilarity analysis (Hamming distance) and discriminative subsequence analysis. A significant tactical divergence was found on the first serve on the deuce court (Pseudo F = 8.33, p < 0.01; Pseudo R² = 0.018) and the second serve on the deuce court (Pseudo F = 3.32, p < 0.01; Pseudo R² = 0.015). U12 players relied on constructive, predictable patterns, favoring wide serves on the first serve (54.3%) and forehands (63.8%). Conversely, U14 players demonstrated offensive patterns, characterized by an immediate return error after a ‘T’ serve (33.7% unreturned serves) and the strategic integration of the backhand (36.9%) on second serves. This transition reflects a fundamental shift from point-building to aggressive, point-ending tactical behaviors. These findings provide an initial, exploratory data-driven framework for sequence-based training aligning with the developmental trajectory of junior female players.

La manipulación del material deportivo es una estrategia común para adaptar las demandas del juego en deportes de raqueta. Sin embargo, existe una carencia de datos objetivos sobre cómo estas adaptaciones afectan la carga física en el pádel adaptado. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar cómo la modificación de la presión de la pelota influye en la carga externa de jugadores de pádel con discapacidad intelectual (DI). Para ello, participaron 12 jugadores varones (25.6 ± 5.23 años) con DI. Se analizaron un total de 53 registros de 16 partidos disputados bajo dos condiciones experimentales: pelota de baja presión (punto verde) y pelota estándar. Se cuantificaron diversas variables de carga externa relativizadas por hora de juego mediante dispositivos de seguimiento electrónico Wimu Pro™. El análisis estadístico se realizó en RStudio mediante la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis y el cálculo del tamaño del efecto (ε²). No se hallaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en ninguna de las variables de carga externa analizadas (p > .05). La Distancia Relativa (2076 ± 996 vs 1955 ± 573 m/h) y el Player Load Relativo (22.0 ± 5.43 vs 23.0 ± 5.79 u.a./h) se mantuvieron estables entre la condición de pelota verde y estándar, respectivamente. El tamaño del efecto fue nulo para todas las comparaciones (ε² < .01). La carga externa en jugadores recreativos con DI no se ve alterada de forma significativa por el tipo de pelota utilizado. El uso de la pelota estándar se presenta como una opción adecuada que no incrementa las demandas físicas del juego, permitiendo a los técnicos seleccionar el material bajo criterios pedagógicos o técnicos sin riesgo de modificar la carga de trabajo de los deportistas.

The present study analyzes the serve+1 patterns of elite male U12 and U14 tennis players to compare tactical patterns and developmental differences between these age categories. Significant differences were identified in serve direction, third-shot execution, and impact zones between both age groups. U14 players demonstrated a more structured approach, using their serve to control the rally and position themselves advantageously, with a greater proportion of serves directed wide compared to U12 players. Conversely, U12 players exhibited greater variability and a higher frequency of return errors. Furthermore, U12 players executed their third shot from deeper zones, reflecting a more reactive positioning that limited rally control compared to U14 players. Additionally, U14 players showed a higher percentage of shots played from inside the court, allowing them to dictate play from an early stage in the rally. The findings emphasize the importance of serve placement and proactive strategies in junior development. Training interventions should prioritize refining serve+1 sequences, encouraging offensive positioning, and minimizing the returner's control at the start of the rally. Future research should consider the influence of conditional, psychological and biomechanical factors on serve effectiveness and tactical decisions, as well as expand the analysis to female players, different age categories, and various playing surfaces to develop more comprehensive developmental pathways.

The management of tennis development programs in emerging regions is key to the sport's globalization and sustainability. Despite South America's rich tennis tradition, governance, structural, and socioeconomic challenges hinder progress. This article presents a qualitative analysis of expert insights from head coaches, technical directors, and development officers across national federations. Strengths such as cultural passion, favourable climate, and tradition are contrasted with weaknesses like limited court access, gender inequality, and fragmented systems. The strategic roles of national federations, the regional body, and the ITF are examined in shaping development pathways. Findings suggest improving management strategies, integrating coach and parent education, enhancing competition structures, and leveraging technology. These insights offer practical recommendations for coaches, policymakers, and federations. By drawing parallels with performance monitoring literature in other sports, the analysis situates South American tennis within broader discussions on sport science and talent development.

Tennis is a dynamic, complex, and strategic sport where players continuously adjust their positioning and shot selection based on their own strengths and their opponent’s weaknesses to enhance perf...