A physiological profile of tennis match play

Purpose: The aim of this investigation was to examine physiological demands of single match play in tennis. Methods: 20 players performed 10 matches o f 50 min. Respiratory gas exchange measures (RGEM) and heart rates (KR) wer e measured using two portable systems. Lactate concentration was determined after each game. The average oxygen uptake (VO2) of 270 games was 29.1 +/- 5.6 mL.kg(-1).min(-1) (51.1 +/- 10.9% of VO2max). Average VO2 for a game r anged from 10.4 to 47.8 mL.kg(-1).min(-1) (20.4 and 86.8% of VO2max). Avera ge lactate concentration (LA) was 2.07 +/- 0.9 mmol.L-1 (ranging from 0.7 t o 5.2 mmol.L-1). Furthermore, we monitored the duration of rallies (DR), th e effective playing time (EPT), and the stroke frequency (SF). The average values of 270 games were DR: 6.4 +/- 4.1 s, EPT: 29.3 +/- 12.1%, SF: 42.6 /- 9.6 shots.min(-1). Results: Multiple regression revealed that the DR was the most promising variable for the determination of VO2 in match play (r = 0.54). The body surface area (BSA) and EPT were also entered into the cal culation model. In games of two defensive players, VO2 was significantly hi gher than in games with at least one offensive player. Conclusion: Our resu lts suggest that energy demands of tennis matches are significantly influen ced by DR. The highest average VO2 of a game of 47.8 mL.kg(-1).min(-1) may be regarded as a guide to assess endurance capacity required to sustain hig h-intensity periods of tennis matches compared with average VO2 of 29.1 mL. kg(-1).min(-1) for the 270 games. Our results suggest that proper condition ing is advisable especially for players who prefer to play from the baselin e.