Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the game characteristics and physiological (ie, blood lactate concentration and heart rate) and perceptual (ie, rating of perceived exertion, RPE) responses during tennis competition in man’s single matches in Taiwan. The variables describing the game characteristics of the matches, total match time; duration of rallies (DRs) ; effective playing time (EPT) ; work-to-rest ratio; shots per rally, were recorded by video recording. Methods: Eight trained and Taiwan’s ranked (Chinese Taipei Tennis Association rankings) male tennis player (age20.87±1.72yrs; height 179.75±4.43cm; weight 71.37±6.94kg) were studied during single matches (best of three sets) played on an outdoor hard court surface during an invitational tournament. HR was measured continuously during each match. Blood lactate concentration was determined before the match, at the end of every set and after 5 minutes end of the match. RPE was determined before the match and end of the match. Results: There were significant (p<.05) differences as follows: 2nd Set HR 168.96±7.82 bpm > 1st set HR 164.11±8.4 bpm; 1st and 2nd blood lactate 3.44±1.14 and 3.29±1.18 mmol．L-1 > before the match 2.26±0.73 mmol．L-1 (p<.05). RPE values were 6.56±1.36 before the match and the end of match were 15.18±1.72. Conclusions: The alter of physiological responses does not only affect in exercise intensities for professional tennis players the weather, change of temperature, texture of the tennis courts and the play style of different players are also included. The further research would include the texture of the tennis courts for comparison, in order to create a suitable and balanced physiological values statement for players.
