Want to know everything about the most important tennis stats? This guide will teach you everything you need to know to tip the scale in your favor!
Welcome to our guide on the most important tennis stats. As a sport, tennis is filled with numbers and statistics that can help us understand the game better. From the simplest metrics like aces and unforced errors to more advanced statistics like first serve percentage and return points won, the numbers can give us a deeper insight into the strategies and performances of the players.
As a casual fan, understanding these stats can make watching matches more engaging and allow you to appreciate the skill and athleticism of the players. For more advanced fans, the stats can help you make more informed predictions and gain a competitive edge in fantasy leagues and betting.
In this guide, we will take a closer look at the key statistics used to measure tennis players’ performance, explaining what they mean and how they are calculated. So whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned pro, grab your racket and let’s dive in!
First-Serve Percentage
Players with high first-serve percentages are able to dictate play with their serve and are able to take control of rallies before they even begin. This allows them to establish a lead early in the point and put their opponents on the defensive.
Additionally, players with high first-serve percentages are less likely to face break points, which can be crucial in close matches. On the professional tennis tour, players with consistently high first-serve percentages include Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune, and Nick Kyrgios.
All five players had a career first-serve percentage above 65% in 2022, which is considered to be an excellent mark. These players were able to maintain their consistency on the serve throughout the season, which is one of the reasons they have been able to be so successful.
| 2022 Season | |
| Nick Kyrgios | 67.99% |
| Diego Schwartzman | 67.20% |
| Carlos Alcaraz | 65.65% |
| Novak Djokovic | 65.63% |
| Rafael Nadal | 64.81% |
Service Games Won
A high percentage in this statistic indicates that a player is not only able to deliver effective serves but also able to maintain their lead and close out their service games. In other words, if a player has a high service game won percentage, it means they’re doing well on their serve and holding it more often than not. Minimizing opportunities for your opponent to break your serve and maintaining a strong hold on your own service games can be an effective tactic for anyone’s game. The elite players all excel at this aspect of the game.
| 2022 Season | |
| Nick Kyrgios | 92.88% |
| Novak Djokovic | 87.71% |
| Daniil Medvedev | 86.37% |
| Stefanos Tsitsipas | 86.33% |
| Felix Auger-Aliassime | 86.26% |
Break Points Saved
The “Break Points Saved” stat in tennis is a measure of how often a player is able to save break points against them when serving. It’s an important statistic because it gives you an idea of how well a player is able to handle the pressure of having his or her serve broken. A high percentage in this stat indicates that a player is able to keep their cool and play well when they’re in a tough situation.
On the pro tennis tour, players who are able to save break points consistently are often considered to be some of the toughest competitors – think Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Nick Kyrgios, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. They’re able to stay calm under pressure and come up with big shots when they need to.
| 2022 Season | |
| Nick Kyrgios | 75.54% |
| Daniil Medvedev | 67.96% |
| Stefanos Tsitsipas | 66.28% |
| Carlos Alcaraz | 65.34% |
| Holger Rune | 64.56% |
Second-Serve Return Points Won
As a server, it can be intimidating to face one of the best returners in the game, as they put pressure on your serve throughout the entire match and make it more challenging to hold your service games. A player’s ability to return serves, first and especially second serves, well can lead to many break-points and, ultimately, to winning matches. This highlights the importance of a strong return game in tennis, as it can be a significant factor in determining the outcome of a match.
| 2022 Season | |
| Novak Djokovic | 55.99% |
| Andy Murray | 54.72% |
| Rafael Nadal | 54.06% |
| Daniil Medvedev | 53.86% |
| Carlos Alcaraz | 53.40% |
Break Points Converted
It’s an important statistic because it gives you an idea of how well a player is able to take advantage of their opponent’s mistakes and capitalize on break-point opportunities. A player with a high percentage in this stat is able to consistently convert break points into wins, which can make a significant difference in the outcome of a match.
On the pro tennis tour, players who are able to convert break points well are often considered to be some of the best finishers and with an incredibly tough mental game. They’re able to close out points and matches when they have the opportunity to do so.
| 2022 Season | |
| Lorenzo Musetti | 46.28% |
| Cameron Norrie | 43.71% |
| Jenson Brooksby | 43.71% |
| Rafael Nadal | 43.56% |
| Nick Kyrgios | 42.56% |
FAQs
Where Can I Find Useful Tennis Stats?
When it comes to tennis statistics and tennis records, there’s a lot to keep track of, especially for tennis fans who love to dive deep into the numbers. Whether you’re looking at men’s tennis or women’s tennis, there’s a ton of data available on players, tournaments, and performances.
The ATP Tour and the WTA Tour both keep detailed records of everything that happens on the court, including match results, rankings, and statistics. These records are not only interesting to read, but they also offer valuable insights into the game, and can help us understand the strategies and strengths of the players.
With the wealth of data available, fans can compare players from different eras, and see how the game has evolved over time. In short, the records and statistics of the ATP and WTA tours are a treasure trove of information for any tennis fan.
How Is Statistics Used in Tennis?
Statistics in tennis can be super helpful for players because they can see what they did well in a match and what didn’t work out so well. It’s like a behind-the-scenes look at their game. This way, they can figure out their strengths and weaknesses. And by doing that, they can focus on what needs improvement. It’s like having a personal coach right in front of you, with all the data from your match to guide you.
Who Is Statistically the Best Male Tennis Player of All Time?
Man, when it comes to stats and numbers, Novak Djokovic is in a league of his own. He’s won 22 Grand Slams in the Open Era and holds the record for the most Master 1000 tour titles at 38. And it’s not just about the number of wins, but it’s about how consistent he is.
He’s been ranked number one for over 373 weeks and has spent over 400 weeks in the top 10. It’s crazy to think about how dominant he’s been in the sport and it’s hard to argue against him being the best male player of all time, stats-wise.
Who Is Statistically the Best Female Tennis Player of All Time?
Serena Williams is hands down the best female tennis player of all time. She’s got the numbers to back it up – with 23 Grand Slam titles, the most of any active female player, and the most of all time in the Open Era.
Plus, she’s been a dominant force in the game for over 20 years and she just kept on winning. Even at 39, she was still a force to be reckoned with. Seriously, who else can say they’ve won a Grand Slam while pregnant? The woman is a living legend and there’s just no denying it.
What Are Elo Ratings in Tennis?
Elo ratings are a system that was originally developed for chess to measure the relative skill levels of players. It has been adapted for use in other sports, including tennis, as a way to evaluate the performance of players and compare them across different eras.
The basic principle of Elo ratings is that a player’s rating is determined by their performance in past matches, with more weight given to recent matches and matches against higher-rated opponents.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, understanding and analyzing tennis statistics can give us a deeper understanding of the sport and the players. From first-serve percentage to break points converted, each statistic provides valuable insight into a player’s performance and strategy.
Whether you’re a casual fan looking to enhance your viewing experience or a seasoned pro looking for an edge in fantasy leagues or betting, understanding these stats can make all the difference. So the next time you’re watching a match, pay attention to the numbers and see how they contribute to the overall game.
Extra Resource
Check out this study that proves how statistics in tennis can lead to a better ranking system. Click here!
Also, check out our article on the greatest tennis records in the history of the sport!
Christoph Friedrich is a German tennis player and coach currently residing in Oakland, California. He began his tennis journey at the age of eight and has since dedicated his life to the sport. After working as a tennis coach and hitting partner in New York City for eight years, Christoph decided to share his knowledge and experience with tennis players around the world by creating the My Tennis Expert blog. His goal is to make tennis education accessible to everyone and help players select the best equipment for their game, from racquets and strings to shoes and overgrips. Christoph's extensive research and expertise in tennis technology make him a valuable resource for players of all levels.