International Tennis has been around since 1877 but technology and this sport usually didn’t roll the dice together. However, not anymore, technology has conquered the world of tennis as well. From the material of racquets to AI in decision-making, tennis, and technology have come a long way.
The quick decisions are being made and telecasted to the global audience as well, thanks to the internet. In addition to that, the next tennis season is about to begin, so in the run-up to that, you need to prepare yourself for some intense action on the court. We suggest Mediacom as your best choice of streaming partner; you won’t be missing out on any live-action with its fast speed and non-stop connection. Reach out to Xtream Mediacom customer service by clicking here and opt for any internet plan that suits your streaming requirement.
Coming back to the advancement, especially in Hawk-Eye technology is changing how the game of tennis is played and judged. Referees are given incredible assistance as there is absolutely no doubt that the decisions made were incorrect. Let us take a look at other ways that technology is changing the world of tennis.
1. Telemetry Sensors for Players
One technology that can help players in keeping a record of their game is this telemetry sensor. It’s an amazing change in the game of tennis because the sensors are placed on racquets which means that the data is coming straight from the tool. This means that the data is as accurate as it can be because it isn’t from what the player felt when they were playing.
Analytical points like was the ball sliced or hit with topspin and how many forehands were hit with the center of racquets can be analyzed. Players can store this data and then also compare it with that of others so that their performance can be enhanced. Telemetry sensors can be especially useful for players who are competing at a higher level.
2. Material of Racquets
There is a technology for the material of racquets too in tennis, yes you read that right. When Wimbledon started in 1877, the racquets were made of wood and animal intestine. These were cumbersome for the players to use while playing a fast-paced game. Since then, material technology has advanced and players no longer have to use racquets of such heavy material.
Now, the racquet material is made of carbon fiber and even piezoelectric material so that maximum output can be achieved. The telemetry sensors in racquets work best with the piezoelectric material because it can sense the force with which it was used and later secure data for future use. Some of the best racquets you can find here.
3. Hawk-Eye
Video evidence in any sport has become an essential part of the game and the same is the case with tennis. In order to tell whether the ball was already in the line or out of it, only relying on the naked eye can result in some wrong decisions. This is where Hawk-Eye technology is used; to accurately tell the position of the ball.
This technology was introduced in tennis in 2006 and since then has been part and parcel of any tennis event. For tennis, there are some 10 high-speed cameras installed on the court, 2 on the short side and 3 on the long side. This technology can also tell in advance about the position of the ball. In the clay courts though, hawk-eye is still not used a lot as the ball leaves a visible print so this advanced technology is not required that much.
4. Artificial Intelligence
Not even a decade ago could anyone have predicted that Artificial Intelligence will be used this much on the tennis court, yet here we are. There are so many AI apps that players can personally use to analyze their performances. These apps break down even the minute details of the match thus helping in the correct analysis of performances.
Even in professional matches, coaches are taking the help of AI to gather little bits of data that can be used later to spot mistakes and then improve them. AI is also helping broadcasters quickly edit videos and telecast them to a global audience now.
5. 3D Motion Tracking
3D motion tracking is that one piece of technology in the world of tennis that the players don’t really like. This is because this technology can reveal to the world the secret of their minute moves on the court. This technology works with the sensors attached to the bodies of players to track their motion, posture, and force that they exert on the ball.
This technology can also predict the likelihood of a possible injury and thus can be used to fix the motion to avoid it. Even though a player’s moves may be out but this doesn’t mean anyone can play like Federer.
Fan engagement and interactive experiences through technology
Fan engagement and interactive experiences have been revolutionized by technology, transforming the way tennis enthusiasts connect with the sport. Through various digital platforms and applications, fans can now actively participate in the game beyond mere spectatorship. Social media platforms allow fans to engage directly with their favorite players, teams, and tournaments, fostering a sense of community and accessibility.
Interactive experiences such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) provide immersive opportunities for fans to virtually experience matches, explore tennis venues, and even practice alongside their favorite players. Furthermore, gamification elements, such as predictive games and fantasy leagues, enhance fan involvement and competition. Technology has truly empowered fans, enabling them to have a more interactive, personalized, and memorable tennis experience.
Conclusion
Technology has finally made its way into a game that was supposed to be far from technology. This is helping especially in making on-field decisions more accurate. It is also helping players keep track of their games for further improvements, comparing them with other players and avoiding any possible mistakes.
