Author(s): SKINSTAD, D., BABCHUK, W.A., GROBBELAAR, H.W., Institution: STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY , Country: SOUTH AFRICA, Abstract-ID: 1955

INTRODUCTION: Men’s tennis development and transition processes are nuanced and complex. South African (SA) men’s tennis development structures tend to focus on linear development progressions (junior to senior levels) with an emphasis on the singles format. Less is known about the doubles format as a development strategy. Collegiate tennis in the United States of America (USA) is an attractive transition pathway for SA players and is renowned for prioritizing the team environment. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of the doubles format as a developmental and transitional strategy within SA men’s tennis, with particular attention to junior development and team-based environments.
METHODS: A constructivist Grounded Theory approach was employed to generate a theoretical model explaining development and transition processes in SA men’s tennis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using purposive, theoretical, and maximum variation sampling strategies (n = 34), including players (n = 22), coaches (n = 7), parents (n = 3), and administrators (n = 2). Data were collected between 2018 and 2020 and analyzed iteratively using the constant comparison method. Augmented with this iterative process, was memoing, abductive reasoning to check data against data, refine emerging categories and generate overarching themes.
RESULTS: The analysis generated a core category, Transitioning Steps, with the sub-category, Playing for a Team: The Doubles Format. Doubles emerged as an important, but underutilized developmental strategy in junior tennis. Participants expressed that the doubles format was less emphasised in the junior game but was deemed important to promote enjoyment in the sport. The dynamics of the team format encouraged motivation, alleviated pressures, enabled players to perform better, and promoted a sense of belonging to something beyond the game.
CONCLUSION: These findings extend current literature on athlete development pathways by positioning the doubles format as a strategic component within long-term tennis development models, particularly during key transitional steps. Doubles emerged as a facilitator for player motivation, fostering a sense of belonging, and supporting adaptation to team-based competitive environments such as collegiate tennis. A more intentional integration of doubles within junior development structures may enhance transitional processes and offer an alternative high-performance pathway within elite tennis systems.