Final Draft

Gabriela Gordon
March 28, 2014
Period: 1

21rst century Tennis


Beginning from a wooden racket to a complex system of cameras on court, tennis
known as the white sport has gone trough an innovative implementation of equipment
that contributes to development of the same. Technological systems in tennis have
improved the performance of those athletes who only train, as well as those who play on
tour. Even though other sports have experienced changes regarding the field of
technology, tennis has facilitated the lives of a wider audience. It has benefitted amateur
players going up all the way to pro players. Tennis primordial benefits are that
advancements can be used from the comfort of home, to the luxury of big stadiums such
as Rod Laver Arena.
Hawk Eye. Its name implies exactly what this system does; it tracks the ball as it if
were its prey. All the major tennis tours are using a system (), which tracks the ball and
records where every ball bounces, and can instantly determine whether a 100 mph serve
lands in or out (Maney & Kevin, 2014). As mentioned by Newsweek Global, cameras on
court trace the journey of the ball, as soon as the rally amongst both players begins. The
system was presented imposingly in the SONY open tournament, belonging to the ATP
Masters circuit, causing concern amongst players and tennis fans. (Sony Open Tennis,
2013). Since then, the Hawk Eye has been a tool for players to reassure the referees
statement. This system has become an aid for pro players as judges are human and may
inadvertently have some inaccuracy in their call.
Electronic Ball Tracking. This system is based on the ultimate technology in tennis
development. It consists of different number of radar guns placed on different points of
court, as sidelines, net, and base line. The speed is shown on LED screens, placed at
corners of the court, so that players know the speed at which they are hitting the ball. As
well there is a similar mobile system, for trainers and non-pro players to use at home or on
any court. The system allows the acknowledgement of the balls speed when the same
leaves the racquet. Therefore, allowing coaches to analyze and improve qualities of certain
shots leading to the eventual improvement of the player.
Instant Replay. Tennis should never need an on-court official again(Maney,
2014). The article Last Call for Bad Calls brought out a definite claim, as it is true that
tennis is heading onto a stage where judges may be no longer needed. Players at the time
have the choice to reassure the referees claim with an Instant Replay. This feature is
only available for pro players who participate on professional tournaments and grand
slams. The system consists of the possibility for players to view their rally again and
eventually see where the ball exactly landed. Players get the benefit to see how great a
point was between them and their opponent, as well to how far the referee was from his
pronouncement.
Zeep Movement Sensor. This small sensor, the size of a golf ball, allows players
to get statistics from their shots. The sensor is attached to the players racket as the player
itself is allowed to continue on with his training. The sensor has a built app compatible with
mobile devices; therefore the player can analyze his shots and see which improvements
can be done. IMG Bolletieri, the top tennis academy for juniors and pro players, uses this
sensor to enhance the players involvement on self-evaluations. This leads to the
strengthening of the relationship coach-player, which in the long-term will improve the
performance of the player.
Live Transmission. Without this technological advance, avid tennis fans would not
be able to follow, minute by minute, their favorite grand slams. The US Open, Australian
Open, Rolland Garros, and Wimbledon are hosted in different parts of the world. Thanks to
live transmissions, audiences from all over the world gather around to see the success of
their favorite players. Live transmission is in some cases used as a replay system,
although this depends on the type of surface the tournament uses. The fourth major, the
French Open, does not utilize replay technology because the balls leave marks in the clay
() (Wertheim, Bechtel & Newman, 2013). Live transmission involves the benefit of two
audiences the ones present at the tournament and the ones far way that want to get
access to this important events of the tennis world.
Technological advances have improved and given rise to the quality tennis that we
have now. Its audience has witnessed its benefits as they have had the possibility to use
these technological systems at homes and central courts. As well, these major
advancements have brought closer crowds of people from all over the world to the white
sports thrilling material and main events.


Bibliography:

Maney, K. (2014, February). Last Call For Bad Calls. Newsweek Global, Vol. 162 Issue 7.
Retrieved March 15, 2014 from:
http://web.b.ebscohost.com/src/detail?vid=4&sid=c8e4aabd-2b7e-466b-a939-
81c0de00ea24%40sessionmgr112&hid=117&bdata=JnNpdGU9c3JjLWxpdmU
%3d#db=mih&AN=94445260

Sony Open Tennis. (2013). Tournament History. The Open: History. Retrieved March 15,
2014 from: http://www.sonyopentennis.com/en/the-open/history

Wetheim L. J, Bechtel M., and Newman, E. (2013, September). The Case For
Challenging The System. Sports Illustrated. Vol. 119 Issue 10. Retrieved
March 15, 2014 from:
http://web.b.ebscohost.com/src/detail?vid=9&sid=545cf001-0409-435e-8dc2-
937cadea0f49%40sessionmgr113&hid=117&bdata=JnNpdGU9c3JjLWxpdmU
%3d#db=mih&AN=90065836