In a groundbreaking move, the ATP has given the green light for the use of wearable technology during competitions on both the ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Tour, effective from July 15, 2024. This development signifies a major leap forward in leveraging data analytics for performance enhancement and injury prevention in the realm of tennis.
These wearable devices are set to offer players state-of-the-art insights by tracking physical metrics such as heart rate and high-intensity load data. This technological advancement will significantly improve players’ abilities to analyze their performances during matches and training sessions. The ATP has sanctioned devices from leading companies STATSports and Catapult, with all collected data being integrated into ATP Tennis IQ – Wearables, a newly developed, user-friendly dashboard for players.
This initiative introduces a fresh layer to ATP Tennis IQ, an analytics platform that was launched in 2023. The platform democratizes access to match data and insights, supporting players in their preparation and recovery processes. This move is part of the ATP’s ongoing strategic efforts to enhance the sport through the integration of technology, data, and innovation.
Ross Hutchins, the ATP Chief Sporting Officer, expressed his enthusiasm about this development, stating, “The introduction of wearables on Tour is a significant step forward in our efforts to optimize player performance and prevent injury. Ultimately, we aim to empower players to maximize their careers. We are thrilled to make cutting-edge data insights more accessible than ever and look forward to continuing our innovation in this space.”
Ensuring the confidentiality of all collected data, the ATP guarantees privacy for players and their support teams. The second phase of this initiative, which will incorporate advanced insights derived from wearable data and player feedback, is slated for later this year.