Tennis testing new technology

IPads offer coaches, players more analytics to improve game

NEW HAVEN >> Sports like baseball, basketball and football all use an array of advanced analytics like wins above replacement, effective field goal percentage and total quarterback rating.

Tennis may be late to the party, but the WTA is looking to serve up aces with its new iPads, which generate real-time data and deliver it to coaches during a match.

Designed by SAP, the WTA’s technology partner, the tablets offer an overwhelming amount of analysis. Everything from where a player is hitting the ball up 30-15, to how often she goes on to win a game when she wins the first point of a serve.

“Tennis is a sport where there is so much information, but people haven’t worked out how to use that information,” said Jenni Lewis, SAPs global sponsorships technology lead. “Understanding context; instead of just saying Madison Keys served nine aces the other day, (it shows) when she served those aces. It gives context to both fans and the player to understand. Tennis is on an upward curve in taking info and making it more meaningful for the fan, media and player.”

Coaches have the opportunity to use these new tools at seven WTA events this season, including at this week’s Connecticut Open. Next year the aim is 20-25 events.

The data comes from Hawk-Eye, the tennis linecalling system, and is pushed through to the tablet. It allows the coaches to see data at several different levels: set, game score, winners, errors, unreturned serves and more; then gameplan accordingly.

“We use it before the match,” said Caroline Garcia, who reached the quarterfinals at New Haven. ”Where a girl is serving and where most of her mistakes are. Sometimes you don’t really see when you’re playing. You’re too much into game. The advice is good.”

The data can show pattern of play and much more.