This study investigated the understanding and conceptualization of cognitive fatigue in a tennis context and its application among high-performance tennis coaches (HPTC). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eighteen HPTC in Australia to gather insights into their knowledge of cognitive load and fatigue. Through an interpretive qualitative case study approach, five themes were identified: `Definitions of cognitive load`, `Definitions of cognitive fatigue`, `Development of cognitive fatigue`, `Management of cognitive fatigue` and `Perceptions of training to prevent cognitive fatigue`. While coaches demonstrated some awareness of cognitive fatigue in their athletes, variations were observed in the strategies employed to manage and alleviate cognitive fatigue. This study has identified the need for better: 1) coach education on cognitive load and cognitive fatigue, 2) training techniques to ameliorate state cognitive fatigue, 3) measurement tools to track athlete cognitive load and state changes in cognitive fatigue.
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