Using Microsoft Excel to model a tennis match

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the use of Microsoft® Excel to generate the probability of winning a tennis match and mean length of the remainder of the match conditional on the state of the match. Previous models treat games, sets and matches independently. We show how a series of interconnected sheets can be used to repeat these results. We also set up a sheet which can give the required statistics using the full match, set and game score as the state. The exercise could form an interesting and useful teaching example, and allow students to investigate the properties of tennis scoring systems.