Impact of Racquet Evolution: How New Technologies Affected Tennis Players’ Statistics?

Abstract

Like in many sport branches, technological developments have had a significant impact on how tennis is played. The evolution of materials used for the production of equipments created further evolution for the game. In this study, my purpose is to observe the impact of four racquets of different production date (An average 10-year difference between each production date). Five volunteers of average age of 24±3.54 years, average height of 179±8.19 centimetres, average weight of 80.2 ±2.17 kilograms and average sport year of 5.8±3.83 have participated in this study. Also, Wilson RF Autobiograph (100inch2 head size, 340gr. Unstrung weight) production date 2017, Babolat Pure Drive (100 inch2 head size, 300gr. Unstrung weight production date 2006), Expo (247gr. Strung weight, 90 inch2, production date 1980). Donnay (253gr.strung weight, 90inch2, production date,1970) were used. The data are analysed by SPSS Statistics Program. According to statistical analysis correlations between production dates of racquets and their effect on the tennis plays were found. T-test was found for the statistical analysis. The outcomes of the research point out to a positive impact of new racquet technologies on the game, especially in second serve percentages for all game and double faults numbers per a service game (As well as the other parameters, such as first serve percentage, winner and unforced errors per game). This study also makes certain predictions about possible future changes of the game of tennis.

Keywords

• tennis
• tennis racquets
• technology

References

1. 1. Miller,S., (2006) Modern tennis rackets, balls, and surfaces, British Journal of Sports Medicine,May; 40(5): 401–405.2. Cross, R., and Pollard,G.,(2009) Grand Slam men’s singles tennis 1991-2009 Serve speeds and other related data, ITF Coaching and Sport Science Review ; 16(49): 8-10.