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Unforced Errors: Tennis Serve Data Tells Us Little About Loss Aversion

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  • MichaÅ‚ Krawczyk

Abstract

Nejat Anbarci and collaborators argue in two recent papers that male tennis players’ behaviour is consistent with aversion to losses rather than maximization of expected utility. To prove this point they sketch simple theoretical models. I discuss numerous shortcomings of their theoretical and empirical analysis. I suggest that their conclusion, that male tennis players are loss averse, is unsubstantiated.

Suggested Citation

  • MichaÅ‚ 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:ejw:journl:v:16:y:2019:i:1:p:114-123
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Klaassen, Franc J.G.M. & Magnus, Jan R., 2009. "The efficiency of top agents: An analysis through service strategy in tennis," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 148(1), pages 72-85, January.
    2. Nejat Anbarci & K. Peren Arin & Cagla Okten & Christina Zenker, 2017. "Is Roger Federer more loss averse than Serena Williams?," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 49(35), pages 3546-3559, July.
    3. 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.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    loss aversion; sports; risk;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • L67 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Other Consumer Nondurables: Clothing, Textiles, Shoes, and Leather Goods; Household Goods; Sports Equipment
    • Z31 - Other Special Topics - - Tourism Economics - - - Industry Studies

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