The Importance of Data Driven Equipment in Tennis

Key Points

• The Role of Data in Tennis & the Mission of Tennis Lab
  
• Tennis is behind other sports in data use:
  Compared to sports like golf and cycling, tennis is decades behind in utilizing analytics. Tennis is only now beginning to embrace performance data and technology to inform decision-making.
• The creation of Tennis Lab:
  Tennis Lab was founded after testing over 300 players using Hawk-Eye tracking and racket experiments. Shockingly, 80% of players were found to be using equipment unsuited to their game—a key motivator for launching the lab.
• Data can transform all aspects of performance:
  Insights from data can improve player speed, strength, serve speed, and match strategies. The goal is to give players and nations a competitive edge by making smarter equipment and training decisions.
  
• Blinded, unbiased testing process:
  Players test blacked-out rackets to eliminate brand, color, or bias. Hawk-Eye technology collects detailed data across forehands, backhands, weapons (strongest shot), and serves. Players receive a data-backed report showing which racket actually performs best for them—not just what felt best.
  
• Changing how rackets are chosen:
  Most people historically chose rackets based on:
  Favorite playerColorBrand loyaltyThis flawed process often led to wrong racket + wrong strings, reducing enjoyment and performance.
• Tennis Lab’s mission:
  To ensure every player—recreational to elite—has access to the right equipment through objective, scientific analysis. Helping players enjoy the game more by improving learning curves and on-court performance with optimized gear.
• Only public-access Hawk-Eye court in the world:
  Tennis Lab is the only place where the public can access Hawk-Eye testing like the pros. It’s a world-first opportunityto make data-driven decisions about your racket, string, and setup.