Without any doubt, advances in technology had a big impact on all spheres of life and tennis is not an exception. The current generation of players have access to new developments that players of the past could only dream of. Rackets, strings and balls evolution, new materials for tennis apparel and sports shoes, the invention of smart rackets– are just a few of scientific advances that have taken the technical aspects of the game to a new level. Read this article to find out more about the latest equipment and new technology in tennis.
Rackets and strings evolution
In 1873, when tennis was just invented, the only available “technology” for the players was a wooden racket. Since then, rackets have significantly developed, from metal frames, which were used in the 1960s, to light-weight graphite or composite frames made of graphite, titanium, Kevlar or fiberglass. The introduction of new materials in the process of making tennis rackets changed the game forever, giving the players more power, speed and precision. Modern rackets allow the players to perform proper swings faster, as the rackets are much lighter; combined fibers changed rackets flexibility, response and feel of the ball for the better. Along with the usage of graphite frames, synthetic polyester strings have dramatically changed the game, as they provide control and create higher speeds and tremendous spin. The other plus of polyester strings is their excellent durability, that’s why the strings of this material are the most used on courts nowadays. However, because of their firmness, polyester strings are not a good choice for athletes, who suffer from arm problems as well as for players, who don’t have proper technique. In this case, it’s better to choose a hybrid set-up, a mixture of polyester and a softer natural gut, Rafael Nadal’s choice.
Brands and big names in tennis
Top tennis racket manufacturers, such as an American giant Wilson, Austrian large corporation Head, French brands Babolat and Technifibre and Japanese company Yonex, continue to experiment with materials for tennis rackets in order to enhance the players’ game. In addition, all these major brands are sponsoring Top players and creating unique rackets, designed specially for the player’s needs. Thus, current world number 1, Novak Djokovic is the face of Head brand, Rafael Nadal is Babolat ambassador, while Roger Federer is representing Wilson brand. As for the tennis balls, the basic construction has not changed much, however, new types, which are called low-compression tennis balls have been recently introduced. Their appearance has fundamentally changed the way children and adult beginners learn to play tennis. According to coaches’ opinions, these light modified balls have positive effects on building proper technique, as they move slower and bounce lower, allowing the players to prepare for the shot thoroughly. What is more, they reduce the risk of getting traumas along with smaller and lighter rackets, specially designed for kids.
Smart rackets
This is the case, when technology meets tennis performance and pushes the sport to its limits. The implementation of this invention, which was designed and developed by one of the largest tennis equipment companies Babolat, took almost a decade. You can buy sensors separately by Sony, Wilson or Zepp and they can be attached to any racket. The only downside of this system is that the price of the smart racket is almost twice the price of a regular model, it cost around $300, but it’s definitely a great device, which can help you to chart the progress, and track the performance while playing. It will help you improve technique, while special sensors will provide a detailed real time data analysis.
The sensors are built in the handle of the racket, so the information is coming straight from it, for example, this device can show how many forehands or backhands did you hit during the training, which of them were performed with topspin, slice spin or were flat. The sensors also collect information of how hard you hit the ball, where on the strings the ball was placed. These data can be stored on smartphones and later you can share it with other players in order to compare the results. Lately, another location on the racket where sensors have found themselves replacing regular vibration dampener. The main advantage its relatively unnoticeable since most of the athletes already use a dampener while playing/training. You can find two options from Courtmatics and QLIPP.
Tech in sports outfits
Modern technologies have affected tennis apparel and sports shoes as well. Tennis clothes have changed drastically in style, fabric and comfort over the years. Definitely, tennis is a highly-intensive game, which requires enormous physical effort; the players run at high speeds, jump and stretch a lot, so the modern uniform should be comfortable and not distract from the game aspects. Present athletes prefer tennis clothes, which are lightweight, fit well, water resistant and comfortable. Tennis clothes that keep the body cool and dry, especially in hot weather, are in high demand. For many years, cotton was the fabric of choice in terms of tennis clothes. However, in the last few years, it was replaced by new synthetic fibers, which are able to remove sweat from the skin. Among the most successful brands are Adidas with its Climacool technology and Nike Dri-FIT.
As for the tennis shoes, nowadays they are specifically designed to handle tough conditions the player faces while playing, such as the frequent start and stop, the immediate change of direction, running on a hard surface. Top sports shoe brands, such as Asics, Adidas, Nike, New Balance and Lacoste answer this call and implement technologies, which provide better bounce in multiple directions, improve durability and traction on different surfaces, increase cushion and much more. In addition, the brands design unique tennis shoes for top tennis players in accordance with their measurements and preference.
Summary
Tennis has been changed drastically because of technical innovations, however, one must agree that new technologies set a remarkably high competitive level among amateurs and professional players. Modern technologies are pushing the sport to its limits, it will be even more interesting to see what kind of innovations tennis will experience in the coming years.