Brain local stability and network flexibility of table tennis players: a 7T MRI study.

Table tennis players have adaptive visual and sensorimotor networks, which are the key brain regions to acquire environmental information and generate motor output. This study examined 20 table tennis players and 21 control subjects through ultrahigh field 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging. First, we measured percentage amplitude of fluctuation across five different frequency bands and found that table tennis players had significantly lower percentage amplitude of fluctuation values than control subjects in 18 brain regions, suggesting enhanced stability of spontaneous brain fluctuation amplitudes in visual and sensorimotor networks. Functional connectional analyses revealed increased static functional connectivity between two sensorimotor nodes and other frontal-parietal regions among table tennis players. Additionally, these players displayed enhanced dynamic functional connectivity coupled with reduced static connectivity between five nodes processing visual and sensory information input, and other large-scale cross-regional areas. These findings highlight that table tennis players undergo neural adaptability through a dual mechanism, characterized by global stability in spontaneous brain fluctuation amplitudes and heightened flexibility in visual sensory networks. Our study offers novel insights into the mechanisms of neural adaptability in athletes, providing a foundation for future efforts to enhance cognitive functions in diverse populations, such as athletes, older adults, and individuals with cognitive impairments.

Prenatal androgenization (2D:4D) predictions of tennis match-play success in junior players: A search for physiological explanations.

AIM: This study aims to investigate the possible association between digit ratio (2D:4D) and match-play success (MPS) in junior tennis players. In addition, we consider the possible explanatory pathways of these associations in relation to psychological, strength, power, and hormonal parameters. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study, with a sample comprised of 64 male junior tennis players (11-18 years old). Digit ratio was calculated from direct finger measurements. In addition, we measured the ratio of wins by number of matches played in 5 years of official competition (MPS), handgrip strength (HGS), standing long jump (SLJ), training (in weekly hours), and expertise (number of years in official competition). Salivary testosterone and cortisol levels were measured before and after physical "challenge" tests. RESULTS: The 2D:4D correlated negatively with HGS and SLJ. MPS was also negatively associated with 2D:4D, but was positively correlated to HGS, expertise, training, and self-confidence (SC). Multiple linear regression showed 2D:4D and expertise were associated with MPS (43%-54%). None of the physical, or hormonal variables tested explained the links between 2D:4D and MPS. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the specific fitness components influenced by prenatal androgenization that moderate sports success remain unknown. Future studies should explore the interaction of 2D:4D, with tennis exercises as a challenge to induce hormonal change, the effect of pubertal stage, and the influence of aerobic endurance in determining MPS.

Inter-arm bone mass and size asymmetries in children tennis players are maturity status specific: a 9-month study on the effects of training time across pubertal change and somatic growth.

PURPOSE: Bone growth with exercise is best assessed by tennis-induced inter-arm asymmetries. Yet, the effects of training and maturation across puberty were unclear. This study explored arm bone growth across 9 months of training in 46 tennis players 7-14 years (25 boys, 21 girls). METHODS: Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone area (BA) were measured from DXA scans. Pubertal status was assessed by Tanner stage (TS) and somatic growth by maturity offset (MO). Children were grouped as pre- (TS I-I), early (TS I-II), and mid/late pubertal (TS II-III). RESULTS: Training time (TT) change in the three groups was 160-170, 190-230, and 200-220 h, respectively. Bone asymmetries were large in all groups (d > 0.8, P < 0.001): 5-18 g (9-21%) and 9-17 g (17-23%) in girls and boys, respectively, for BMC, and 5-15 cm2 (6-13%) and 9-15 cm2 (12-15%) in girls and boys (10-13%), respectively, for BA. BMC and BA change asymmetry peaked at pre-puberty in girls (56%, 46%) and at early puberty in boys (57%, 43%). Asymmetry gains varied with baseline asymmetry (41%) and change in TT (38%) and TS (17%) in BMC, and with baseline asymmetry (58%) and change in MO (17%) and TS (12%) in BA. CONCLUSION: All bone asymmetries were substantial. Tennis-induced bone gains were higher at pre- to early puberty in girls and at early to mid/late puberty in boys. Training enhanced mostly bone mass and maturity status enhanced mostly bone size; sex was not bone-change modeling impactful. Implications are discussed considering certain limitations.

Change of Direction Asymmetry in Youth Elite Tennis Players: A Longitudinal Study.

Longitudinal investigations into the development of inter-limb asymmetry in sports are scarce. This study examined the development of change of direction (COD) asymmetry magnitude in youth elite tennis players. Dominant (overall best performance) and non-dominant (best performance on the other side) scores and COD asymmetry magnitude were quantified annually (up to six years) in 323 male and 235 female players (ages 6 to13 years). Linear mixed effects regression models examined the development of COD performance and asymmetry magnitude according to players' chronological age and sex. Kappa coefficients examined the consistency for the direction of asymmetry across test occasions. Regardless of sex, COD performance significantly improved (p<0.001) while COD asymmetry magnitude significantly decreased (- 0.17±0.87% / year) with increasing chronological age. Regardless of age, males showed significantly lower COD times (- 0.111±0.091 s) and lower COD asymmetry magnitude (- 0.30±1.00%) compared to females. The slight and poor (k-value=0.02-0.00) kappa coefficients for males and females, respectively, highlight the direction specificity of functional asymmetry. These data show that whereas performance of the COD test improved, the magnitude of COD asymmetry declined across chronological age in youth tennis players.

Musculoskeletal Injuries in Table Tennis during Competition: A Systematic Review.

The study aimed to investigate the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries among table tennis players and identify their associated risk factors. We conducted a literature search in online databases using relevant search terms related to "table tennis" and "injury". To compare the rate of injuries according to player-related variables, we extracted information on sex, level of games, circumstances of injury, and duration of sport absence after injury. Furthermore, we calculated the odds ratios based on the number of injuries according to variables. Eight articles included 873 professional table tennis players, revealing an overall musculoskeletal injury rate of 3.6% (31 musculoskeletal injuries). The incidence was 10.0 injuries per 1,000 playing hours (range, 0-27.0). The rate of musculoskeletal injuries for female and male players were 3.2% and 3.8%, respectively, and those for Summer Olympic Games, Asian Games, and domestic national games was 4.8%, 15.4%, and 0%, respectively. More than half (52%) of injuries occurred during training, and most injuries (64%) were of a nature that did not cause time loss. This review provides valuable information about the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in table tennis competitions. However, owing to the limitations of this study in identifying injury-related risk factors, future studies analyzing comprehensive variables are required.

Development of Upper-Extremity Morphological Asymmetries in Male and Female Elite Youth Tennis Players: A Longitudinal Study.

PURPOSE: This 2-year longitudinal study examined the development of upper-extremity bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and lean mass (LM) asymmetry magnitudes in male and female youth tennis players. METHODS: Dominant and nondominant upper-extremity BMD, BMC, and LM values of 49 male and 31 female players were measured yearly using dual X-ray absorptiometry. From these values, asymmetry magnitudes were calculated and expressed as a percentage. Maturity offset was estimated using anthropometric measurements. Linear mixed effect models examined the development of BMD, BMC, and LM asymmetry magnitudes according to players' maturity offset, sex, and training volume. RESULTS: Adjusted for sex and training volume, a 1-year increment in maturity offset was associated with a significant increase in BMD (1.3% [2.2%]; P < .001) and BMC (0.6% [2.4%]; P = .011) asymmetry magnitudes. Male players displayed significantly higher LM asymmetry magnitudes (Δ3.2% [8.4%]; P = .002) compared with their female counterparts. Training volume was not significantly associated with asymmetry magnitude development. CONCLUSION: In contrast to LM, male and female youth tennis players' upper-extremity bones are still responsive to mechanical loading with a significant increase in BMD and BMC asymmetry magnitudes according to maturity offset.

Coping strategies and brain activity in table tennis players faced with discrepancies between predicted and actual outcomes.

Prior studies have shown that experts possess an excellent ability for action anticipation. However, it is not clear how experts process the discrepancies between predicted outcomes and actual outcomes. Based on Bayesian theory, Experiment 1 in the current study explored this question by categorizing unexpected outcomes into gradually increasing discrepancies and comparing the performance of experts and novices on a congruence discrimination task. Our behavioral analysis revealed that experts outperformed novices significantly in detecting these discrepancies. The following electroencephalogram study in Experiment 2 was conducted focused exclusively on experts to examine the role of theta wave oscillations within the mid-frontal cortex in processing varying levels of discrepancy. The results showed that reaction time and theta oscillations gradually increased as the magnitude of discrepancy increased. These findings indicate that compared to the novices, experts have a better ability to perceptual the discrepancy. Also, the magnitude of discrepancies induced an increase in mid-frontal theta in experts, providing greater flexibility in their response strategies.

A low carrying angle is measured in elite tennis players just before ball impact during the forehand, suggesting a dynamic varus instant accommodation moving towards full extension.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to use image analysis recordings to measure the carrying angle of elite male tennis players during the forehand stroke, with the hypothesis that elite tennis players overstress their elbow in valgus over the physiological degree in the frontal plane just before ball contact on forehand groundstrokes. METHODS: The carrying angle of male tennis players ranked in the top 25 positions in the ATP ranking was measured on selected video frames with the elbow as close as possible to full extension just before the ball-racket contact in forehands. These frames were extracted from 306 videos professionally recorded for training purposes by a high-profile video analyst. All measures were conducted by three independent observers. RESULTS: Sixteen frames were finally included. The mean carrying angle was 11.5° ± 4.7°. The intraclass correlation coefficient value was 0.703, showing good reliability of the measurement technique. The measured carrying angle was lower than what has been observed in historical cohorts using comparable measurement methodology, suggesting a possible instant varus accommodation mechanism before hitting the ball. CONCLUSIONS: The observed decrease in the carrying angle is a consequence of an increase in elbow flexion position dictated by the transition from a closed to open, semi-open stances. As the elbow flexes during the preparation phase, it is less constrained by the olecranon and its fossa, increasing the strain on the medial collateral ligament and capsule structures. Moving towards full extension before the ball-racket contact, the elbow is dynamically stabilised by a contraction of the flexor muscles. These observations could provide a new explanation for medial elbow injuries among elite tennis players and drive specific rehabilitation protocols. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Comparison of the activation and mechanical properties of scapulothoracic muscles in young tennis players with and without scapular dyskinesis: an observational comparative study.

BACKGROUND: In tennis athletes with scapular dyskinesis, the activation of the scapulothoracic muscles during serve is not known. Also, the mechanical properties (tone, elasticity, and stiffness) of the scapulothoracic muscles of the tennis athletes with scapular dyskinesis are likely to change. The study aimed to evaluate the activation of the scapulothoracic muscles while performing tennis serve and to determine the changes in the mechanical properties of the same muscles in young tennis athletes with scapular dyskinesis. METHODS: Seventeen tennis athletes with scapular dyskinesis aged between 11 and 18 years (the scapular dyskinesis group) and age- and gender-matched 17 asymptomatic tennis athletes (the control group) were included in the study. Activation of scapulothoracic muscles (descending-transverse-ascending trapezius and serratus anterior) in the 3 phases (preparation, acceleration, and follow-through) of the serve was evaluated using surface electromyography, and the mechanical properties of the same muscles were measured at rest by myotonometry. RESULTS: Ascending trapezius activation in the follow-through phase was lower in the scapular dyskinesis group compared with the control group (mean difference 95% confidence interval: -22.8 [-41.2 to -4.5]) (P = .017). The tone and stiffness of the transverse trapezius (P = .043 and P = .017, respectively) were higher, whereas the same parameters of the ascending trapezius were lower (P = .008 and P = .010, respectively) in the scapular dyskinesis group compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Activation of the ascending trapezius and the tone and stiffness of the transverse-ascending trapezius were altered in tennis athletes with scapular dyskinesis. Implementations to improve these changes can be included in the rehabilitation or training programs of young tennis athletes with scapular dyskinesis.

Energy Expenditure of Elite Male and Female Professional Tennis Players During Habitual Training.

Understanding the daily energy expenditure of athletes during training is important to support recovery, adaptation, and the maintenance of performance. The aim of the current research was to assess the total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and the acute energy expenditure (EE) of tennis training sessions during habitual training of elite tennis players. Using a cohort study design, 27 (n = 10, male; age; 22.3 ± 3.2 years and n = 17, female; age: 23.8 ± 3.5 years) elite singles tennis players were assessed for TDEE and tennis training EE. Using Actiheart activity monitors during a 2- to 5-day training period, male players were analyzed for 26 days and 33 (1.3 ± 0.5 sessions/day) tennis training sessions, and female players for 43 days and 58 (1.2 ± 0.4 sessions/day) tennis training sessions. Male TDEE (4,708 ± 583 kcal/day) was significantly higher than female (3,639 ± 305 kcal/day). Male absolute and relative tennis training EEs (10.2 ± 2.3 kcal/min and 7.9 ± 1.4 kcal·hr-1·kg-1) were significantly higher than those of females (7.6 ± 1.0 kcal/min and 6.8 ± 0.9 kcal·hr-1·kg-1). The resting metabolic rate was assessed via indirect calorimetry. The physical activity level for both groups was 2.3 AU. The TDEE of male and female players during habitual training now highlights the continual cycle of high energy demands experienced by the elite tennis player. The broad ranges of TDEE and EE reported here suggest individual assessment and nutritional planning be prioritized, with a particular focus on carbohydrate requirements.

Kinematics of the Tennis Serve Using an Optoelectronic Motion Capture System: Are There Correlations between Joint Angles and Racket Velocity?

The serve is the most important stroke in tennis. It is a complex gesture consisting of numerous rotations with a wide amplitude, which are important to manage for performance. The aim of this study was to investigate whether correlations exist between joint kinematic parameters and racket velocity. A quantitative kinematics analysis of four ranked players (two boys and two girls) was carried out using an optoelectronic system composed of 10 cameras (150 Hz). Five flat serves per player were analyzed. Eighty-two markers were located across the 15 body segments and on the racket. A descriptive statistical analysis including a correlation analysis was carried out between joint angles and racket kinematic parameters (vertical position, velocity, and acceleration) during the cocking and acceleration phases. Ten very high (0.7 < r < 0.9) and three almost perfect (r > 0.9) correlations were found. Shoulder and hip axial rotations, knee flexion, and trunk extension were correlated linearly with racket vertical position and velocity during the cocking phase. For the acceleration phase, elbow flexion, trunk flexion/extension, and trunk axial rotation were linked to racket kinematics. Some of these parameters showed differences between slow and fast serves. These parameters, which are involved in transmitting ball velocity, are important to consider for tennis players and coaches in training programs, education, and performance enhancement.

Effects of Fatigue on Ankle Flexor Activity and Ground Reaction Forces in Elite Table Tennis Players.

Fatigue specifically affects the force production capacity of the working muscle, leading to a decline in athletes' performance. This study investigated the impact of fatigue on ankle flexor muscle activity and ground reaction forces (GRFs) in elite table tennis players, with a focus on the implications for performance and injury risk. Twelve elite male table tennis athletes participated in this study, undergoing a fatigue protocol that simulated intense gameplay conditions. Muscle activity of the soleus (SOL) and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) muscles, heel height, and GRFs were measured using a combination of wireless electromyography (EMG), motion capture, and force plate systems. Results showed a significant decrease in muscle activity in both legs post-fatigue, with a more pronounced decline in the right leg. This decrease in muscle activity negatively affected ankle joint flexibility, limiting heel lift-off. Interestingly, the maximal anteroposterior GRF generated by the left leg increased in the post-fatigue phase, suggesting the use of compensatory strategies to maintain balance and performance. These findings underscore the importance of managing fatigue, addressing muscle imbalances, and improving ankle flexibility and strength to optimize performance and reduce the risk of injuries.

Relationships Between Force-Time Curve Variables and Tennis Serve Performance in Competitive Tennis Players.

ABSTRACT: Fourel, L, Touzard, P, Fadier, M, Arles, L, Deghaies, K, Ozan, S, and Martin, C. Relationships between force-time curve variables and tennis serve performance in competitive tennis players. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1667-1674, 2024-Practitioners consider the role of the legs in the game of tennis as fundamental to achieve high performance. But, the exact link between leg actions and high-speed and accurate serves still lacks understanding. Here, we investigate the correlation between force-time curve variables during serve leg drive and serve performance indicators. Thirty-six competitive players performed fast serves, on 2 force plates, to measure ground reaction forces (GRF). Correlation coefficients describe the relationships between maximal racket head velocity, impact height, and force-time curve variables. Among all the variables tested, the elapsed time between the instants of maximal vertical and maximal anteroposterior GRF ( r = -0.519, p < 0.001) and the elapsed time between the instant of maximal anteroposterior GRF and ball impact ( r = -0.522, p < 0.001) are the best predictors of maximal racket velocity. Maximal racket head velocity did not significantly correlate with the mean or maximal vertical GRF or with the mean or maximum rate of vertical force development. The best predictor for impact height is the relative net vertical impulse during the concentric phase ( r = 0.772, p < 0.001). This work contributes to a better understanding of the mechanical demands of tennis serve motion and gives guidelines to improve players preparation and performance. Trainers should encourage their players to better synchronize their upward and forward pushing action during the serve to increase maximal racket head velocity. Players should also aim to improve their relative net vertical impulse to increase impact height through strength training and technical instructions.

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

ABSTRACT: 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.

Inhibition of Ironic Errors and Facilitation of Overcompensation Errors Under Pressure: An Investigation Including Perceived Weakness.

The conflicting predictions of ironic process theory and the implicit overcompensation hypothesis have been presented as a framework to explain the characteristics of errors that occur when a certain behavior is prohibited. The former predicts that instructions prohibiting a particular behavior will increase the likelihood of an outcome that should be avoided (ironic error), whereas the latter predicts that the likelihood of an outcome opposite of that to be avoided (overcompensation error) will increase. We examined how these errors, which negatively affect performance, are influenced by pressure and perceived weakness. Participants performed a tennis-stroke task, aiming to hit a ball toward a target zone while avoiding a discouraged zone. The results indicate that pressure decreases the ironic errors but increases the overcompensation errors that occur when a particular behavior is discouraged, while an increase in perceived weakness induces random errors.

Reliability of Accuracy and Precision Tests for Elite Para Table Tennis Players.

The primary purpose of this study was to adapt selected accuracy and precision tests in table tennis to the specific skills of elite table tennis players with impairment. The study included a sample of 23 Para table tennis players with an average age of 31.8 ± 12.22 years (including 30.4% females) who belonged to the senior Polish Para table tennis team. A battery of six tests evaluating stroke accuracy and serve precision was assessed. The analysis of the reliability of these tests confirmed the legitimacy of using this battery of accuracy and precision tests to assess the skills of Para table tennis players in all three integrated sport classes: players in wheelchairs, in a standing position, and with intellectual impairment. Analysis of the data obtained from the tests could provide coaches with relevant information regarding elite Para table tennis players' level of performance and examine selected accuracy and precision elements of their individual technique.

The Influence of Blind Tennis on Subjective Inclusion Experiences-An Ableism-Critical Analysis.

In this paper, we analyze the subjective inclusion experiences of visually impaired (VI) adult tennis players from an ableism-critical perspective. The primary focus of this research is the inclusive potential of blind tennis from the perspective of VI individuals. Episodic interviews were conducted to capture subjective perspectives. A qualitative text analysis revealed that the interviewees were confronted with multiple ability assumptions by sighted people in their everyday lives. Deficit notions on the performance of VI people included sports, work, and general activities. Participation in blind tennis helped the interviewees build a "competent identity" and acquire various skills useful for their everyday lives as participation in blind tennis was a pathway for competence in sports. Further research is needed to identify exclusion experiences from the perspective of disabled people to recognize the potential of different sports in reducing barriers to participation.

Mass Participation and Tournament Event Management for the Team Physician: A Consensus Statement (2022 Update).

ABSTRACT: Mass participation events include endurance events (e.g., marathon, triathlon) and/or competitive tournaments (e.g., baseball, tennis, football (soccer) tournaments). Event management requires medical administrative and participant care planning. Medical management provides safety advice and care at the event that accounts for large numbers of participants, anticipated injury and illness, variable environment, repeated games or matches, and mixed age groups of varying athletic ability. This document does not pertain to the care of the spectator.

Common Wrist-Extensor Tendon and Pectoralis Muscle Stiffness in Healthy Recreational Tennis Players.

CONTEXT: Imbalances in upper-extremity soft tissue stiffness may play a role in the development of shoulder and elbow musculoskeletal injuries in tennis players. Ultrasound shear wave elastography provides quantifiable and specific data regarding muscle stiffness. The purpose of this study was to compare tendon and muscle stiffness in healthy tennis players to nontennis players. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: The shear wave modulus, measured in kilopascals, was obtained for the dominant pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, and common wrist-extensor tendon using 2-dimensional shear wave elastography ultrasound imaging (GE Logiq S8, L9 linear transducer). Independent t test was run to compare age, body mass index, and the activity index score between both groups. Within-day intrarater reliability was assessed using a within-examiner intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC [3, 1]) with 95% confidence intervals. A multivariate general linear model was run to compare the mean differences between the tennis and nontennis players for each of the soft tissues. RESULTS: Twenty-six individuals (13 tennis players and 13 nontennis players) were recruited. Within-day ICCs were very good (ICC > .78 for the pectoralis musculature) and excellent (ICC > .94 for the common wrist extensor). Common extensor tendon stiffness was significantly higher in tennis players compared to nontennis players (mean difference = 114.8 [61.8], confidence interval, -22.8 to 252.5 kPa for the dominant arm [P = .039]). Mean pectoralis major and minor stiffness differences were not significant (P > .214). CONCLUSIONS: Common wrist-extensor stiffness in healthy recreational tennis players is higher than those who do not play tennis. Therefore, clinicians may need to facilitate a greater soft tissue stiffness response with resistance training when rehabilitating recreational tennis players as compared to those not playing tennis. Additional normative data on a larger sample of recreational tennis players should be collected.

Navigating the Court: A Comparison of Distance Demands between Sexes in Grand Slam Tennis.

This study analysed critical movement demands of tennis match-play to better inform contemporary approaches to athlete preparation and training. HawkEye data from matches during the 2021 and 2022 Australian Open were utilised. Distance was aggregated for movement cycles, points, games, sets, and matches, alongside total shots played. Data was collated for males (best-of-five sets) and females (best-of-three sets) allowing comparisons both within and between sexes. Overall, no differences within sexes were evident for total distance, however males traversed further per match than females (MDE = 809 ± 139m, ES = 0.86). Female players travelled further in their deciding (third) sets compared to set 1 (ES = 0.28) and while this effect wasn't as discernible for males, the deciding (fifth) set showed some evidence of elevated distance requirements and variability. Between sexes, only female set 3 was different to male set 3 (ES = 0.29). Female and male tiebreak games (i.e. game 13) required players travel further distance compared to other games (ES = ~1.45). Between sex differences were observed for tiebreak games compared to games 1 to 12 (female ES = 1.36 and male ES = 1.53). Players from both sexes generally covered similar distances during points and movement cycles, with between-shot distances of 4.2m-4.5m, notably longer than previous reports. Further, total shots and total match distance (r > 0.97; p < 0.01) shared similar linear relationships. These results highlight that the between shot or movement cycle demands of professional hard court tennis are substantially higher than described in the literature (Roetert et al., 2003). The findings also reveal competitiveness as a key influence on set level distance demands during professional tennis match-play, a consideration in player preparation programs.