Body Height Development Among Successful Elite Tennis Players (2004–2023)

Game performance is influenced by somatic factors such as body height. The aim of this study is to examine the developmental trend of body height in elite male and female tennis players at Grand Slam tournaments between 2004 and 2023. The research sample consisted of players who reached the quarterfinals of Grand Slam tournaments from 2004 to 2023. The results showed an overall trend of increasing body height among male players who reached the quarterfinals of Grand Slams. However, the differences between individual Grand Slams (surfaces) in the most recent period (2019-2023) were found to be statistically insignificant and negligible. In women, the results were more variable, and no similar trend of increasing body height among successful players could be observed as seen in men. This study provides insights into the development of physical traits in the best tennis players, which influence their performance. The data obtained shows developmental trends recognized by tennis experts and may be useful for coaching practice in elite tennis, potentially also in the selection of young tennis talents.