Influence of the golden on game parameters in professional padel. Differences between gender, set and tournament rounds br

The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of the golden point rule on game parameters in professional padel. A total of 91 sets (47 for women and 44 for men) from the 2019 and 2020 seasons of the World Padel Tour were analysed by systematic observation. The results showed a higher duration of the set (p=.009), rest time (p=.039), break points (p=.005) and number of breaks (p=.018) in female padel. In addition, significant differences were observed in the rest time depending on the set (p=.009), being the third set in which the players made a longer rest time. The incorporation of the golden point rule produced an increase in the number of games per set (p=.040). Finally, significant differences were found in the number of break points (p=.013) depending on the game round. Specifically, there is a higher number of break points in the finals compared to the quarterfinal rounds (p<.005). In conclusion, the golden point rule produced a higher number of games per set, without affecting other variables, much more conditioned by the characteristics of the game according to the gender of the players