Influence of Category and Sex in Game Structure Variables in Young Elite Tennis

Understanding the structure of play in competitive contexts is essential for an accurate performance analysis. This study examined the effects of sex and age category on the temporal and formal structure of play in youth tennis. Methods: Twenty-four semi-final and final matches were selected from under-12 (Open Super 12-Auray) and under-14 (Les Petits As) tournaments. Temporal structure was assessed through total match time, mean set and game duration, rally duration, and percentage of active time. Formal structure variables comprised the number of sets per match, games per set, points per game, strokes per rally, and stroke frequency. A structured, external, non-participant observational methodology was employed. No sex-based differences were detected. When grouped by age category, U-12 players recorded longer rally durations—9.48 s in boys and 8.76 s in girls (p < 0.001)—and a higher number of strokes per rally—6.75 strokes in boys and 6.14 strokes in girls (p < 0.001). In contrast, U-14 players exhibited a greater stroke frequency (46.44 strokes/min) (p < 0.008). The changes in game intensity aligned with expectations based on previous tactical investigations and the maturation processes characteristic of puberty.