A key academic paper on this topic is by researchers from the University of Vienna and University of Munich.
This study analyzed over 28,000 points from the 2016 Wimbledon tournament to investigate how mental stress at "big points"—specifically break points (BP)—impacts performance compared to regular points (RP). Key Findings from the Research break of serve
: Some statistical models suggest that the first game of a match is the hardest one in which to achieve a break of serve. Tennis serve performances at break points - ResearchGate A key academic paper on this topic is
: A critical difference between winning and losing players is their success rate on second serves . Winning players are often able to maintain or even improve their point-win percentage on second serves during break points, while losing players cannot maintain their level. Tennis serve performances at break points - ResearchGate
on grass), second-serve effectiveness remains relatively constant at around , making it a universal vulnerability for potential breaks.
: Under the pressure of a potential break, players often hit their first serves faster but decelerate their second serves to avoid double faults.
