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Revisiting loss aversion: Evidence from professional tennis

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  • Anbarci, Nejat
  • Arin, K. Peren
  • Kuhlenkasper, Torben
  • Zenker, Christina

Abstract

We provide further evidence for the existence of loss aversion in a high-stakes context: professional tennis. Our contribution to the literature is threefold: (1) We provide a theoretical framework as a basis of our investigation, (2) we test the predictions of our model by using a novel dataset for both male and female players from the Dubai Tennis Championships 2013 that not only includes the serve speed but also the serve location, and (3) we employ semiparametric Additive Mixed Models to include smooth one-, two- and three-dimensional interaction effects for modelling the serve speed and placement. Our results show that when behind in score players put more effort into the serve than when they are ahead. We also document that players take more risks in the final. Finally, we detect remarkable gender differences with respect to the incidence of loss aversion within a game versus within a set.

Suggested Citation

  • Anbarci, Nejat & Arin, K. Peren & Kuhlenkasper, Torben & Zenker, Christina, 2018. "Revisiting loss aversion: Evidence from professional tennis," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 1-18.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:153:y:2018:i:c:p:1-18
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2017.10.014
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    Cited by:

    1. Michał Krawczyk, 2019. "Unforced Errors: Tennis Serve Data Tells Us Little About Loss Aversion," Econ Journal Watch, Econ Journal Watch, vol. 16(1), pages 114–123-1, March.
    2. Nejat Anbarci & K. Peren Arin & Christina Zenker, 2019. "Tennis Serve Data May Elude Some as Serves Get Too Fast," Econ Journal Watch, Econ Journal Watch, vol. 16(1), pages 124–129-1, March.
    3. Herrmann, Oliver & Jong-A-Pin, Richard & Schoonbeek, Lambert, 2019. "A prospect-theory model of voter turnout," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 168(C), pages 362-373.
    4. Pastoriza, David & Alegre, Inés & Canela, Miguel A., 2021. "Conditioning the effect of prize on tournament self-selection," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 86(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Tennis; Risk aversion; Loss aversion; Semiparametric methods;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism

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