What makes a Grand Slam champion? Early engagement, late specialization and timely transition from having fun to dedication

Mario Oršolić; Petar Barbaros; Dario Novak

doi:10.3389/fspor.2023.1213317

What makes a Grand Slam champion? Early engagement, late specialization and timely transition from having fun to dedication

Front Sports Act Living. 2023 Jul 21:5:1213317. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1213317. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Mario Oršolić¹, Petar Barbaros², Dario Novak²

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Food Technology Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.
² Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.

Abstract

In order to provide adequate support for young tennis players, it is important to understand the development path and factors which can have a positive or negative impact on the development of a player. The aim of this research was to determine the factors that affected sports specialization in tennis by means of qualitative analysis (early, optimal, or late). As well as to deepen the knowledge around the phenomenon of specialization in tennis among players of differing success levels through their personal experiences, in order to contribute to a better understanding of their specialization. The authors interviewed 30 tennis players of differing levels, including 10 participants from the most elite level (Grand Slam champions), exploring their contrasting experiences of development. The data set was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three topics were generated, which included the following: engaging in sport, decisions, and time of specialization. The obtained results offer a stimulus to reflect on numerous aspects of athlete development.

Keywords: development path; interview; reflexive thematic analysis; specialization; success; tennis.