Expert perspectives on managing high-performance tennis pathways in South America: A qualitative analysis

The management of tennis development programs in emerging regions is key to the sport's globalization and sustainability. Despite South America's rich tennis tradition, governance, structural, and socioeconomic challenges hinder progress. This article presents a qualitative analysis of expert insights from head coaches, technical directors, and development officers across national federations. Strengths such as cultural passion, favourable climate, and tradition are contrasted with weaknesses like limited court access, gender inequality, and fragmented systems. The strategic roles of national federations, the regional body, and the ITF are examined in shaping development pathways. Findings suggest improving management strategies, integrating coach and parent education, enhancing competition structures, and leveraging technology. These insights offer practical recommendations for coaches, policymakers, and federations. By drawing parallels with performance monitoring literature in other sports, the analysis situates South American tennis within broader discussions on sport science and talent development.