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Performing in high-pressure situations: the case of tennis players up a break and serving for the set

Author

Listed:
  • Brian Goff
  • Dennis Wilson
  • David Zimmer

Abstract

This study explores the impact of perceived pressure on performance in professional tennis. Contrary to conventional wisdom linking pressure with poorer performance, we analyse over 136,000 tennis game instances (from July 2021–September 2022) to find that both male and female players improve their service hold probabilities under heightened match pressure. While innate player attributes influence service hold likelihoods, the gender-specific variability in performance response to pressure is evident, with female players revealing a greater variance in likelihood.

Suggested Citation

  • Brian Goff & Dennis Wilson & David Zimmer, 2025. "Performing in high-pressure situations: the case of tennis players up a break and serving for the set," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 57(39), pages 6138-6147, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:applec:v:57:y:2025:i:39:p:6138-6147
    DOI: 10.1080/00036846.2024.2381129
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