Factors influencing match retirement of professional men’s tennis doubles players

This study addresses the limited scientific literature on injuries in doubles tennis compared to singles, focusing on factors influencing retirements due to injury among ATP doubles players. Using an observational retrospective cohort design, official ATP data from 2000 to 2020 were analysed to identify match and player characteristics associated with retirements. The findings reveal that retirements in doubles have shown two notable peaks but have remained relatively stable in recent years. Court surface emerged as a significant factor, with the highest incidence rates clay (IRR: 1.66) compared to grass. Tournament level also influenced risk: Grand Slam events nearly doubled the likelihood of retirement compared to Masters 1000 (IRR: 1.95). Additionally, earlier rounds posed a higher risk than finals (IRR: 1.46). These results suggest that surface type, tournament prestige, and match stage significantly affect injury-related retirements in doubles tennis. Coaches, players, and support teams should consider these factors when planning competitive schedules to minimise injury risk. The study provides valuable insights for optimising player health and guiding future epidemiological research in doubles tennis.