Tennis Project (ENG) - Inefc Grceib

Tennis Project

Tennis is one of the most popular sports worldwide, with a significant impact not only as a high-level sport but also as a cultural, economic and social phenomenon. Professional tournaments are global events that bring together athletes from all over the world and are followed by millions of people. This research project focuses mainly on the competitive field and explores various aspects related to performance, such as conditioning-training methodologies, technical-tactical training, load analysis and epidemiology. The main objective is to provide scientific knowledge to support the work of sports professionals. In addition, from this same perspective, the project also includes other racket sports such as padel, pickleball and beach tennis.

This project, led by Dr. Ernest Baiget, has become one of the most important sources of scientific output in tennis in the world. An example of this is the 5 doctoral theses developed in our group on tennis (Dr. Joshua Colomar, Dr. Ernest Baiget [x2], Dr. Jose Vicente Canós, Dr. Manuel Terraza). Through these theses and other publications, knowledge has been improved with studies assessing endurance and performance, exploring the relationship between serve speed, strength-training methods and players’ workload. Elements related to biomechanics, bioenergetics and neuromuscular aspects of tennis have been analysed. The structure of the game and the strategies used in Grand Slam matches have also been analysed. This work has allowed a better understanding of the technical and physiological dynamics that influence performance.

publications

Peña, V., Baiget, E., Pluim, B. M., & Casals, M. (2026). Noncompleted matches in professional women’s tennis (1975–2024): Epidemiology, trends, and associated factors of walkovers and defaults. Sports Health, 18(1), 31–39. https://doi.org/10.1177/19417381251393699

Casals, M., Peña, V., Martínez, J. A., Ampuero, R., Cortés, J., & Baiget, E. (2026). Descalificaciones de jugadores en torneos profesionales de tenis masculino (1973–2024). Apunts Educación Física y Deportes, 163, 47–57. https://doi.org/10.5672/apunts.2014-0983.es.(2026/1).163.05

Colomar, J., Fernández-Fernández, J., Carrera Prat, J., & Baiget, E. (2026). Priming the tennis player: A time-window framework for match-day and next-day neuromuscular preparation. Strength & Conditioning Journal. Publicación en línea avanzada. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000975

Romero, S., Baiget, E., Cortés, J., Martínez-Gallego, R., Crespo, M., & Casals, M. (2026). Factors influencing match retirement of professional men’s tennis doubles players. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2026.2633830

Peña, V., Baiget, E., Pluim, B. M., & Casals, M. (2025). Non-completed matches in professional women’s tennis (1975–2024): Epidemiology, trends, and associated factors of walkovers and defaults. Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach, Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/19417381251393699

Martínez-Gallego, R., Crespo, M., Guzmán, J. F., Baiget, E., & Vives, F. (2025). To return forward or backward? That is the question: Analysing and predicting return positioning in elite men’s doubles tennis. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541251404014

Fernandez-Fernandez, J., Baiget Vidal, E., Nakamura, F. Y., Santos-Rosa, F. J., Granacher, U., & Sanz-Rivas, D. (2025). Effects of sprint and change-of-direction training with or without the racket in young tennis players. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 20(9), 1184–1190. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2024-0426

Daunis-i-Estadella, P., Baiget, E., & Casals, M. (2025). Court surfaces: A compositional approach to tennis analytics. Austrian Journal of Statistics, 54(5), 161–178. https://doi.org/10.17713/ajs.v54i5.2102

Casals, M., Peña, V., Martínez, J. A., Ampuero, R., Cortés, J., & Baiget, E. (2025). Player defaults in professional tennis tournaments for men from 1973 to 2024. Apunts. Educación Física y Deportes, 163, 47–57. https://doi.org/10.5672/apunts.2014-0983.es.(2026/1).163.05

Sandoval, I., Colomar, J., Corbi, F., & Baiget, E. (2025). Effects of 6-week flywheel resistance training on tennis serve velocity and accuracy. The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 65(12), 1590-1598. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.25.16732-7

Ampuero, R., Fuentes-García, J. P., & Baiget, E. (2025). The Influence of Hitting Locations on Shot Outcomes in Professional Men’s Padel. Applied Sciences, 15(23), 12806. https://doi.org/10.3390/app152312806

Lozano, M., Casals, M., Ampuero, R., Campos-Rius, J., De Pablo, B., & Baiget, E. (2025). Match activity profile analysis during professional single male pickleball matches. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541251356028

Baiget, E., Fernández-Fernández, J., Díaz, M., & Colomar, J. (2025). Effects of Postactivation Performance Enhancement From Upper-Body Flywheel Overload on Tennis-Serve Performance. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance (published online ahead of print 2025). https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2024-0458

Baiget, E., Canós-Portalés, J., Martínez-Gallego, R., Corbi, F., & Fernandez-Fernandez, J. (2025). The influence of maturity status on the development of neuromuscular performance in the lower body after one season in adolescent tennis players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000005044

Lozano, M., Casals, M., Ampuero, R., Fernández-Fernández, J., Campos-Rius, J., & Baiget, E. (2025). Match activity profile analysis during professional men’s double pickleball tournaments. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2025.2457223

Colomar, J., Peña, J., Vicens-Bordas, J., & Baiget, E. (2025). Range of motion and muscle stiffness differences in junior tennis players with and without a history of shoulder pain. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 20(1), 71–78. https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.127263

Palau, M., Baiget, E., Cortés, J., Martínez, J., Crespo, M., & Casals, M. (2024). Retirements of professional tennis players in second– and third-tier tournaments on the ATP and WTA tours. PLoS One, 19(6), e0304638. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0304638

Oliver, L., Baiget, E., Cortés, J., Martínez, J., Crespo, M., & Casals, M. (2024). Retirements of professional tennis players in ATP and WTA tour events. European Journal of Sport Science, 24(10), 1526-1536. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsc.12177

Colomar, J., Peña, J., Vicenç-Bordas, J., i Baiget, E. (2024). Minimizing maladaptations derived from tennis serve training and competition loads. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 46(5), 511-519. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000824

Casals, M., Cortés, J., Llenderrozos, D., Crespo, M., Hewett, T. E., Martin, L., & Baiget, E. (2024). Epidemiology and factors influencing Davis Cup retirements over the past twenty years. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 19(11), 1465–1476. https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.123948

Baiget, E., i Moreno, M. (2024). Nuevas tendencias en el entrenamiento en tenis. Modelo basado en la acción de juego. Motriu Actual 5. Edicions de la Universitat de Lleida.

Brich, Q., Casals, M., Crespo, M., Reid, M., & Baiget, E. (2024). Quantifying Hitting Load in Racket Sports: A Scoping Review of Key Technologies. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 19(6), 519-532. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2023-0385

Colomar, J., Corbi, F., & Baiget, E. (2024). Diferencias por razón de sexo en los determinantes físicos de la velocidad de servicio de tenistas jóvenes de alto rendimiento. Educación Física y Deportes, 3(157), 58-67. https://doi.org/10.5672/apunts.2014-0983.es.(2024/3).157.07

Borderias, M., Iglesias, X., Martínez-Gallego, R., & Baiget, E. (2024). Comparison of the finishing shot and ending zone of points in Grand Slam matches of women’s doubles tennis: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One, 19(5), e0303437. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0303437

Negro, C., Baiget, E., Colomar, J., i Fuentes-Garcia, J.P. (2023). Effects of 4 weeks of variability training on forehand approach precision and velocity in recreational tennis players. Motor Control, 6, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1123/mc.2022-0128

Fernández-Fernández, J., Canós, J., Martínez-Gallego, R., Corbi, F., Baiget, E. (2023). Effects of maturation on lower body neuromuscular performance in youth tennis players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 37(1), 167-173. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004187

Fernández-Fernández, J., Canós, J., Martínez-Gallego, R., Corbi, F., i Baiget, E. (2023). Effects of different maturity status on change of direction performance of youth tennis players. Biology of Sport, 40(3), 867-876. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2023.121324

Colomar, J., Corbi, F., i Baiget, E. (2023). Improving tennis serve velocity. Review of training methods and recommendations. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 45(4), 385-394. http s://doi .org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000733

Canós, J., Corbi, F., Colomar, J., i Baiget, E. (2023). Performance outcomes following isoinertial or machine-based training interventions in female junior tennis players. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 18(2), 123-134. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2022-0082

Baiget, E., Corbi, F., i López, J.L. (2023). Influence of anthropometric, ball impact and landing location parameters on serve velocity in elite tennis competition. Biology of Sport, 40(1), 273-281. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2023.112095

Baiget, E., Colomar, J., I Corbi, F. (2023). Six-week joint-specific isometric strength training improves serve velocity in young tennis players. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 18(2), 148-156. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2022-0292

Baiget, E., Colomar, J, i Corbi, F. (2023). Joint-specific post-activation potentiation enhances serve velocity in young tennis players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 37(4), 840-847. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004334

Ampuero, R., Mellado-Arbelo, O., Fuentes-Garcia, J.P., i Baiget, E. (2023). Game sides technical-tactical differences between professional male padel players. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 19(3): 1332-1338. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541231218379

Borderias, M., Crespo, M., Martínez-Gallego, R., & Baiget, E. (2023). Comparison of the game structure and point ending during Grand Slam women’s doubles tennis. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 21(2), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541221098226

Coma, J., Baiget, E., Segura, J. (2022). Análisis de las conductas de liderazgo en jugadores profesionales de balonmano. Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte, 22(86), 349-362. https://doi.org/15366/rimcafd2022.86.010

Colomar, J., Corbi, F., i Baiget, E. (2022). Relationship between isometric force-time curve variables and serve velocity in young tennis players. Sport Biomechanics, 7, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2022.2084151

Colomar, J., Corbi, F., i Baiget, E. (2022). Inter-limb muscle property differences in junior tennis players. Journal of Human Kinetics, 82, 5-15. https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2022-0026

Colomar, J., Corbi, F., i Baiget, E. (2022). Determinant physical factors of tennis serve velocity. A brief review. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 17(8), 1159-1169.

Mellado-Arbelo, O., i Baiget, E. (2022). Activity profile and physiological demand of padel match play: a systematic review. Kinesiology, 54(1), 51-61. doi:10.26582/k.54.1.6.

Gutiérrez-Álvarez, C., Colomar, J., i Baiget, E., Villafina, S., Fuentes-Garcia, J.P. (2022). Effects of 4 weeks of variability of practice training in padel double right wall: A randomized controlled trial. Motor Control, 26(2), 278-290. doi: 10.1123/mc.2021-0095.

Canós, J., Corbi, F., Colomar, J., Cirer-Sastre, R., i Baiget, E. (2022). Effects of isoinertial or machine-based strength training on performance in tennis players. Biology of Sport, 39(3), 505-513. 10.5114/biolsport.2022.107020

Borderias, M., Crespo, M., Martínez-Gallego, R., i Baiget, E. (2022). Comparison of the game structure and point ending during Grand Slam women’s doubles tennis. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 18(4), 1248-1255. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541221098226

Baiget, E., Corbi, F., & López, J. L. (2022). Influence of anthropometric, ball impact, and landing location parameters on serve velocity in elite tennis competition. Biology of Sport, 40(1), 273-281. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2023.112095

Baiget, E., Colomar, J., i Corbi, F. (2022). Upper limb force-time characteristics determines serve velocity in competition tennis players. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 17(3), 358-366.https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2021-0254

Terraza, M., i Baiget, E. (2021). Acute and delayed effects of strength training in ball velocity and accuracy in young competition tennis players. PloS One, 16(12): e0260825. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0260825

Colomar, J., Corbi, F., i Baiget, E. (2021). Alterations in mechanical muscle characteristics and postural induced by tennis match-play in young players. PeerJ 9:e11445. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11445

Borderias, M., Fernández, J., Martínez-Gallego, R., i Baiget, E. (2021). Comparison of the activity profile during Grand Slam women’s doubles tennis. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 21(6), 1066-1080. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2021.1972611

Baiget, E., Iglesias, X., & Rodríguez, F. A. (2020). Validity of heart rate-based models for estimating oxygen uptake during tennis play. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 34(11), 3208–3216. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002696

Baiget, E., Iglesias, X., Fuentes, J. P., & Rodríguez, F. A. (2019). New approaches for on-court endurance testing and conditioning in competitive tennis players. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 41(5), 9–16. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000470

Baiget, E., Iglesias, X., & Rodríguez, F. A. (2018). Validity of heart rate-based models for estimating oxygen uptake during tennis play. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(8), 2246–2253. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002696

Baiget, E., Iglesias, X., & Rodríguez, F. A. (2017). Maximal aerobic frequency of ball hitting: A new training load parameter in tennis. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 31(1), 106-114. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001480

Baiget, E., Fernández-Fernández, J., Iglesias, X., & Rodríguez, F. A. (2017). Maximal aerobic frequency of ball hitting: A new training load parameter in tennis. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31(1), 106–114. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001480

Baiget, E., Rodríguez, F. A., & Iglesias, X. (2016). Relación entre parámetros técnicos y fisiológicos en tenistas de competición. Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte, (62), 243-255. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314082354_Relacion_entre_parametros_tecnicos_y_fisiologicos_en_tenistas_de_competicion_Relationship_Between_Technical_and_Physiological_Parameters_in_Competition_Tennis_Players

Baiget, E., Rodríguez, F. A., & Iglesias, X. (2016). Aerobic fitness and technical efficiency at high intensity discriminate between elite and subelite tennis players. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-104201

Baiget, E., Fernández, J., Iglesias, X., & Rodríguez, F. A. (2015). Heart rate deflection point relates to second ventilatory threshold in a tennis test. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(3), 765-771. https://doi.org/1519/JSC.0000000000000664

Baiget, E., Fernández, J., Iglesias, X., & Rodríguez, F. A. (2015). Tennis play intensity distribution and relation with aerobic fitness in competitive players. PloS One, 10(6), e0131304. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0131304

Baiget, E., Fernández-Fernández, J., Iglesias, X., Vallejo, L., & Rodríguez, F. A. (2014). On-court endurance and performance testing in competitive male tennis players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 28(1), 256-264. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182955dad

Baiget, E. (2011). Strength training for improving hitting speed in tennis. Journal of Sport and Health Research, 3(3), 229-244.

Baiget, E. (2011). Rendimiento, volumen competitivo y nivel de juego en tenistas profesionales. Kronos, 10(18), 57-63. http://hdl.handle.net/10854/3977

Baiget, E. (2011). Metodología del entrenamiento de la resistencia específica en el tenis de competición. Revisión y propuesta. Cultura, Ciencia y Deporte, 6(16), 45-54. https://doi.org/10.12800/ccd.v6i16.34

Baiget, E., Iglesias, X., Vallejo, L., & Rodríguez, F. A. (2011). Efectividad técnica y frecuencia de golpeo en el tenis femenino de élite. Estudio de caso. European Journal of Human Movement, 27, 101-116. https://www.eurjhm.com/index.php/eurjhm/article/view/272/489

Baiget, E., Iglesias, X., Vallejo, L., & Rodríguez, F. A. (2008). The specific endurance tennis test (SET-Test): Design, reliability, and validity. Archivos de Medicina del Deporte, 128, 535. https://archivosdemedicinadeldeporte.com/articulos/upload/comunicaciones_orales_437_128.pdf

Baiget, E., Iglesias, X., & Rodríguez, F. A. (2008). Bioenergetic profile of tennis singles match play. Archivos de Medicina del Deporte, 128, 458. https://archivosdemedicinadeldeporte.com/articulos/upload/comunicaciones_orales_437_128.pdf

Baiget, E., Iglesias, X., & Rodríguez, F. A. (2008). Prova de camp específica de valoració de la resistència en tennis: resposta cardíaca i efectivitat tècnica en jugadors de competició. Apunts. Educació Física i Esports, (93), 19-28. https://revista-apunts.com/ca/prova-de-camp-especifica-de-valoracio-de-la-resistencia-en-tennis-resposta-cardiaca-i-efectivitat-tecnica-en-jugadors-de-competicio/

CONGRESSES

Baiget, E., Iglesias, X., & Rodríguez, F. A. (2009). Resistencia específica y efectividad técnica en tenistas de competición. Congrés Mundial de Tennis, Valencia, Spain.

Baiget, E., Iglesias, X., Rodríguez, F. A., & Vallejo, L. (2008, November 18-23). The specific endurance tennis test (SET-Test): Design, reliability, and validity. FIMS World Congress of Sports Medicine, International Federation of Sports Medicine, Barcelona, España.

Baiget, E., Iglesias, X., Rodríguez, F. A., & Vallejo, L. (2008, November 18-23). Bioenergetic profile of tennis singles match play. FIMS World Congress of Sports Medicine, International Federation of Sports Medicine, Barcelona, España.