Reaction time testing and grand slam tie-break data

Two BOLA projection devices were used to test the reactions of eight good tennis players with simulated serves up to 160 mph. It was found that the number of successful returns decreased with speed and the number if aces increased significantly at speeds over 126mph. The percentage of tie-breaks at Wimbledon, the US Open and Roland Garros (for 1999) was compared to average first serve speeds for male players. It was found that the number of tie-breaks increased significantly at speeds above 100 mph and that the serve speed and percentage of tie-breaks was related to the surface played upon with faster surfaces having higher serve speeds. It was concluded that the ability to return a ball successfully decreased rapidly above 126 mph, that this was more likely to occur on faster surfaces and that average serve speeds above 110 mph led to an increased percentage of tie-breaks.