INVESTIGATION OF SOME FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE JUNIOUR TENNIS PLAYERS’ SPORTS REALIZATION

Abstract

Tennis is a sport in which reaching top positions in professional rankings is extremely challenging. Undoubtedly, the leading factors are talent, hard work, and dedication, demonstrated both in the training process and in the overall life of tennis players. From a sports-technical perspective, success on the international competitive stage is determined by the motor potential, technical skills, tactical awareness, and intellectual maturity of the athletes. Most literary sources focus precisely on these aspects of tennis player preparation. At the same time, tennis is a sport that requires significant financial investment. The costs of expensive equipment, transportation, and modern and safe recovery methods are often unaffordable for the families of tennis players. Due to a lack of financial resources, many talented children leave the training and competition process precisely at the age when they are transitioning into professional tennis.
The working hypothesis of this study is that the success of Bulgarian athletes in international tennis tournaments is largely determined by their opportunity to participate in a greater number of competitions. The premise is that frequent exposure to competitive environments enhances players’ skills, builds mental resilience, and allows them to accumulate valuable ranking points, ultimately leading to higher placements in international standings. To test this hypothesis, a two-year study was conducted on 25 adolescent tennis players—14 girls and 11 boys—who were finalists in the national championships for the under-16 and under-18 age groups. The study aimed to analyze their competitive activity and efficiency, as well as their personal perspectives on the key factors influencing their athletic development and success. By examining their tournament participation patterns and ranking progress, the research provides insights into the role of consistent competitive experience in shaping young athletes' careers. The results of the study strongly indicate that the frequency of tournament participation has a significant impact on a player's position in the rankings. Athletes who competed in a greater number of international tournaments showed notably better rankings compared to those with fewer participations. These findings highlight the importance of creating opportunities for young Bulgarian tennis players to engage in a high volume of competitive matches to maximize their potential and achieve international success.