STANFORD, CA, USA - The WTA and SAP have unveiled a new analytics software that gives coaches access to real-time performance data during live match play.
SAP Tennis Analytics will be available to coaches at this week's Bank of the West Classic at Stanford University, where, for the first time in professional tennis, players and coaches can access in-match data to help analyze performance and optimize strategy. The software, powered by SAP HANA, is available exclusively for the WTA and on WTA-authorized tablets, potentially making the difference between winning and losing the next point, set, match or even tournament.
Examples of statistics provided by SAP Tennis Analytics include:
? Side-by-side comparisons of the full list of match stats for both players, updated every 15 seconds
? Scoring data that analyzes player's service performance, success rate in closing out a game while serving and number of break points saved
? Tracking data which shows player's serve direction and placement on the court, contact point for returning a serve and placement of rally shots
"The WTA and SAP Tennis Analytics is a game-changer that will not only enhance our athletes' preparation and performance but also the fans' experiences when watching women's tennis," WTA CEO and Chairman Stacey Allaster said. "Analyzing data is fundamental to player and coach development, and this state-of-the-art technology, which more and more of our performers are now using, will take our sport to a new and exciting level and lead the way in sports technology."
SAP, WTA, players and coaches worked together to create a tool that is effectively simple, engaging and provides real-time information crucial to player performance before, during and after matches.
Since the introduction of the on-court technology platform last October, the WTA and SAP have tested and incorporated feedback from players and coaches at tournaments around the world. New updates now available for players and coaches include the addition of filters and pre-defined scenarios so that players can drill into the data at various levels - for example, by set, game score, winners, errors, unreturned serves, etc.; an archive mode, which allows the users to review completed match data within the same tournament; and custom-designed cases to withstand all environmental elements.
"Our relationship with the WTA is another example of how SAP collaborates with partners to create ground-breaking solutions that change the way athletes utilize data and information to optimize their performance," said Quentin Clark, SAP's Chief Technology Officer and member of the Global Managing Board. "After months of testing, enhancements and feedback, we're excited that coaches and players have the opportunity to begin utilizing SAP Tennis Analytics on the court during tournament match play."
Coaches will have the opportunity to use SAP Tennis Analytics at six additional WTA events in 2015, including the Rogers Cup, Connecticut Open, Wuhan Open, Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open, BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global and WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai, with other tournaments slated for 2016.
In 2008, the WTA introduced on-court coaching, with the aim to not only help players, but also further enhance the entertainment value of women's tennis to both the television and live audience. SAP Tennis Analytics for coaches is the latest step in the technological advancement of women's tennis and part of an entire business transformation the WTA is embracing.
For further information and to learn more about both the partnership and SAP Tennis Analytics, please visit www.SAPSponsorships.com, the SAP News Center, or follow SAP on Twitter at @SAPSports and @sapnews.
