EVALUATION OF AGONISTIC TENNIS IN GREECE: TENNIS PLAYERS' BELIEFS AND POSITION

Abstract

Aim. Tennis popularity in Greece has been gaining ground in the last decade. The study examines the views of Greek tennis players about the sport. Materials and methods. The survey was conducted during the Hellenic Juniors' Tennis Tournament that took place in Athens, March 2019. Data were collected from a sample of 45 teenagers, participating at the Tournament. Survey participants completed a self-completion questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS. Questions regarded the demographics and the teenagers' beliefs about the level of tennis in Greece, their preferences regarding tennis coaches, whether there are opportunities for tennis athletes to be promoted in Greece, the preferred characteristics of trainings and their view about organization of tennis in Greece. Results. The level of tennis in Greece is considered moderate to high. The quality of coaching is considered to be medium to high and coaches are expected to display many qualities and give at least once a month their feedback to the athletes. Tennis is an expensive sport that needs to be advertised by the media. The introduction of tennis in schools would augment the popularity of tennis in Greece. Conclusion. In order to have a broader view of tennis in Greece, it is important to take into consideration the beliefs of young tennis players, as well as the beliefs of tennis coaches and tennis agents.