What Does It Take to Reach the Top?
For the past 15 years, we've been asked what it truly takes to succeed in tennis at the highest level. Alongside Ali Ghelem, I've worked extensively to understand how Swedish competitive players compare to international top athletes. The differences are significant, but our conclusions aren't based on opinions—they’re grounded in objective test results from 600 players, 1,200 tests, and 17,000 data points.
Have you ever wondered why you perform certain exercises during physical training? What’s the reasoning behind those choices? Is it experience, guesswork, or something more concrete? Using data as a foundation, we’ve developed a profile based on thousands of tests, which clearly outlines the physical requirements needed to reach the top.

Physical Differences: What Sets Swedish Players Apart?
Our data shows Swedish players excel in directional changes, repeated directional movements, and endurance—skills that help with court movement and defense. However, weaknesses appear in throwing and jumping-related movements, essential for developing rotational and throwing power, key traits for higher rankings.
Top-ranked players in our data have significantly faster hand speeds, allowing them to dictate points with higher ball speed and tempo. This is particularly critical between ages 12–18, where developing rotational power is vital. Interestingly, physical progress among Swedish players often stagnates after age 18, highlighting the need for targeted training even in adulthood.
Consistency and Recovery: Keys to Long-Term Success
For top players, attention to detail is critical. While foundational and tennis-specific physical training is essential, individual adjustments based on player style and capacity are equally important. Consistency over time is one of the most vital factors.
Many Swedish players train too hard for too long without adequate recovery, increasing the risk of injuries. For instance, a player training 25 hours a month injury-free will often progress further than one training 40 hours but frequently sidelined by injuries. Monitoring training load—just 20 seconds after each session—can prevent disruptions and support consistent progress.
Progression: Building Blocks for Sustainable Development
Progression is vital for growth. Without a clear plan to get stronger, faster, or more enduring, training turns into maintenance rather than development. To handle tennis's high demands year-round, players need long-term progression while avoiding overloading young athletes. Developing quality and power first creates a foundation for endurance and higher performance. / Martin Stern Taipale
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