Erne and ATP Defense: a Pro Player Study

Ernes and ATPs on the PPA tour were usually winners not long ago. Now, those shots are frequently returned comfortably, continuing the rallies. How skilled are the PPA pros at defending Ernes and ATPs and keeping the ball in play? Let’s look at the stats from all the championship doubles matches during the first nine tournaments of this season.

ERNE DEFENSE RATE

MEN’S DOUBLES FINALS:

37 Ernes were hit into the opponent’s court.

21 were either “clean winners” or not returned successfully. (57%)

16 were defended successfully, continuing the rally. (43%)

WOMEN’S DOUBLES FINALS:

18 Ernes were hit into the opponent’s court.

9 were either “clean winners” or not returned successfully. (50%)

9 were defended successfully, continuing the rally. (50%)

MIXED DOUBLES FINALS:

55 Ernes were hit into the opponent’s court.

29 were either “clean winners” or not returned successfully. (53%)

26 were defended successfully, continuing the rally. (47%)

CUMULATIVE DOUBLES FINALS:

110 Ernes were hit into the opponent’s court.

59 were either “clean winners” or not returned successfully. (53.7%)

51 were defended successfully, continuing the rally. (46.3%) This is an increase from the 42 percent result through the first 13 tournaments of 2024.

ATP DEFENSE RATE 

MEN’S DOUBLES FINALS:

32 ATPs were hit into the opponent’s court.

19 were either “clean winners” or not returned successfully. (60%)

13 were defended successfully, continuing the rally. (40%)

WOMEN’S DOUBLES FINALS:

13 ATPs were hit into the opponent’s court.

5 were either “clean winners” or not returned successfully. (38%)

8 were defended successfully, continuing the rally. (62%)

MIXED DOUBLES FINALS:

44 ATPs were hit into the opponent’s court.

19 were either “clean winners” or not returned successfully. (43%)

25 were defended successfully, continuing the rally. (57%)

CUMULATIVE DOUBLES FINALS:

89 ATPs were hit into the opponent’s court.

43 were either “clean winners” or not returned successfully. (48.3%)

46 were defended successfully, continuing the rally. (51.7%) This is similar to the 52 percent result through the first 13 tournaments of 2024.

OVERALL:

When an Erne or an ATP is put in play, 48.7 percent are defended successfully, continuing the rally. This is an increase from the 45 percent result through the first 13 tournaments of 2024. We wouldn’t be surprised if this number surpasses 50 percent in the near future.