High-intensity interval training in tennis: a systematic review of aerobic, anaerobic, and tennis-specific performance adaptations

Tennis is a high-intensity intermittent sport that demands a combination of aerobic endurance, anaerobic power, repeated sprint ability, and technical proficiency under conditions of fatigue. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as a time-efficient training strategy to enhance these capacities; however, its effectiveness across different domains of tennis performance remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of HIIT and its variations on aerobic, anaerobic, and tennis-specific performance adaptations in trained tennis players. A systematic literature search was conducted in three databases only PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection to identify reports examining high-intensity interval training and related training programmes in tennis players. Studies involving trained tennis players undertaking structured HIIT interventions (≥ 85% of maximal heart rate [HRmax] or ≥ 90% of maximal oxygen uptake [VO₂max]) were included, encompassing randomized controlled trials, controlled experimental studies, and longitudinal investigations. Of 315 records identified across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection, 13 reports met the inclusion criteria. The 13 included studies involved predominantly male adolescent, collegiate, and well-trained or elite tennis players, with intervention durations ranging from 12 days to 9 weeks. Improvements were most consistently reported in selected aerobic measures and tennis-specific endurance tests, although many findings reflected within-group pre-post changes rather than demonstrated benefits over comparators. Direct comparisons favoured particular programmes for some repeated-sprint, anaerobic-power, speed, change-of-direction, and technical-performance outcomes, but did not establish consistent superiority across training formats. Small samples, methodological heterogeneity, risk-of-bias concerns, and limited female representation restrict confidence and generalizability. HIIT and related programmes may improve selected aerobic and tennis-specific endurance outcomes; comparative benefits across other performance domains and transfer to competitive match performance remain uncertain.