Serve strategy in professional women's doubles tennis- a data-driven perspective

This study aimed to identify the key variables that influence the effectiveness of the first serve in women's doubles matches using a deep learning training model. A total of 4939 first serves by 145 players from Billie Jean King Cup matches were classified according to their effectiveness. Data from the Hawk-Eye system were filtered and processed to obtain descriptive statistics of the spatio-temporal predictor variables and then to calculate the most important variables for first serve effectiveness. The angle of the serve as the feature that gained more relevance, along with the speed and distance from the bounce to the sidelines, regardless of the side from which the serve was made. The training model showed novel results, identifying that the values of the serve angle between 5.5 degrees-8.7 degrees increased the effectiveness from 22.2% to 48.5% on the Deuce side and from 17.3% to 45.7% on the Advantage side. These findings align with existing research on men's professional tennis singles and offer valuable insights into strategic and coaching approaches. The insights gathered from this study are poised to enhance training methodologies and match-day strategies, providing a strategic edge in serve selection during competitive play.