Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi serve-up an explanation of how tennis is at the forefront of health improvements, data-driven analytics, and next-gen equipment through 3D printing.
Tennis is more than just a thrilling and dynamic sport. It’s increasingly at the intersection of three major trends: the rise of sports analytics, its recognized health benefits, and technological advances, particularly 3D printing, which is transforming how tennis equipment is designed and manufactured. From analyzing player performance and reducing injury risks to the development of innovative equipment, tennis is proving to be a catalyst in driving progress in these areas. This article delves into how tennis plays a vital role in sports analytics, contributes to public health, and sparks advancements in the 3D printing industry.
1. Tennis and Health Benefits
Tennis has long been hailed as a sport with significant health benefits. While swimmers and basketball advocates argue their respective sports are equally beneficial, tennis has a unique case for being one of the best for physical well-being. A recent study from the University of Southern Denmark underscores this claim, highlighting that tennis players have a longer life expectancy than those who play other sports like soccer and cycling. The study notes that the aerobic nature of tennis, combined with bursts of strength and agility, contributes to cardiovascular health, muscular endurance, and improved mental acuity.
This notion is echoed by various tennis organizations and health campaigns, which market tennis as a lifetime sport that keeps people of all ages active. The success of the U.S. Open in 2023 further illustrates the sportās growing appeal and potential for increasing participation. More people are taking up the sport as they become aware of its benefits for cardiovascular fitness, mental sharpness, and agility. Some of this resurgence in activity can also be linked to recent trends like the 4-day workweek, which provides people with more leisure time to pursue physical activities. Furthermore, the development of weight-loss drugs by companies like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk is encouraging a greater return to physical activity, as people feel more confident engaging in sports like tennis.
Interestingly, tennis is experiencing modest growth, despite the meteoric rise of other racquet sports like pickleball, which has seen an explosion in popularity across the U.S. in recent years. However, tennisā emphasis on lifelong physical fitness and social interaction may help it retain a loyal base of players and draw in new ones as health awareness continues to rise.
2. Tennis and Sports Analytics: A Perfect Match
The use of sports analytics is revolutionizing how tennis is played, coached, and consumed by audiences. With technological advancements in AI, data science, and enhanced photographic equipment, sports analytics has become integral to monitoring performance, enhancing player development, and predicting outcomes. Former Division I basketball player Ivana Seric, who now works at Zelus Analytics, explains that her firm can monitor over 200,000 data points per game, ranging from player movement and shot selection to fatigue levels. In tennis, the wealth of data collected through advanced sensors, cameras, and AI-powered tools provides coaches and players unprecedented insights into performance.
At the professional level, companies like Hawk-Eye Innovations are leading the charge by using AI-powered systems to track ball trajectories, player movements, and even psychological cues. This data is then analyzed to help players optimize their strategy. For example, Sinner, one of the rising stars of the ATP, uses data to refine his serve, increase his court coverage, and reduce the risk of injuries, which can have a massive impact on a player’s career trajectory.
Additionally, amateur players are also benefiting from these technological advancements. Wearable devices that monitor heart rates, calorie expenditure, and recovery times allow recreational players to track their fitness and improve their game, much like professionals. New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) has even created a Sabermetricians Management School, focusing on sports and data management, underscoring the increasing demand for professionals trained in this data-heavy field.
As tennis continues to evolve with analytics, it is also driving innovations in equipment manufacturing, specifically through the integration of 3D printing.
3. Revolutionizing Tennis Equipment with 3D Printing
The advent of 3D printing technology is making waves in the world of sports, especially in tennis. Several companies are now using this technology to create lighter, more durable, and personalized tennis equipment, allowing athletes to perform at their best while reducing the risk of injury.
Wilson’s 3D Printed Racket Prototypes
One of the most notable examples of 3D printing in tennis comes from Wilson Sporting Goods. Wilson has introduced 3D printing to develop prototypes for their tennis rackets. In 2021, Wilson partnered with 3D printing experts to create racket frames that are not only lighter but also offer more customization options for individual players. The ability to rapidly prototype and test new designs is a significant advantage in a sport where equipment plays a crucial role in performance.
By using 3D printing, Wilson can quickly iterate on designs, tweaking everything from racket weight to string tension, creating a highly customizable product. This not only benefits professional athletes but also gives amateur players access to cutting-edge equipment that can improve their performance.
Nike’s 3D Printed Sneakers for Tennis Players
Nike, another major player in the tennis world, is also leveraging 3D printing to enhance their products. In recent years, Nike has used 3D printing to develop prototypes for tennis shoes, focusing on creating designs that improve stability and performance on the court. Their Flyknit technology, combined with 3D printed soles, has been a game-changer in providing players with sneakers that offer better grip, flexibility, and support during fast-paced matches.
3D printing allows Nike to produce shoes with intricate designs that would be impossible or highly time-consuming using traditional manufacturing techniques. This not only speeds up the design process but also ensures a better fit and more innovative features for athletes.
Adidas’ 3D Printed Tennis Apparel and Footwear
Adidas is not far behind in this technological race. The company has embraced 3D printing for producing tennis apparel, especially footwear. In 2020, Adidas unveiled their 4D printed shoes, made using Carbon’s Digital Light Synthesis technology. These shoes are engineered for high-performance athletes, including tennis players, offering unparalleled energy return, stability, and comfort. By using 3D printing, Adidas can create more complex structures within the shoe that optimize performance, reduce weight, and enhance durability.
3D printed footwear and apparel are particularly advantageous for athletes who require custom fits or specific features to enhance their game. As 3D printing technology advances, weāll likely see even more highly personalized products tailored to individual athletes’ needs, from racquets to shoes to clothing.
4. The Synergy Between Tennis, Sports Analytics, and 3D Printing
The tennis industry sits at the crossroads of sports analytics, health, and technological innovation. Each of these sectors is growing rapidly, with sports analytics improving how the game is played and experienced, and 3D printing redefining the equipment used in the sport.
As more people embrace tennis for its health benefits and companies continue to innovate through 3D printing, the sport is poised for even greater growth in the coming years. Sports analytics will only get more sophisticated, offering deeper insights into player performance and health monitoring, while advancements in 3D printing will lead to ever more personalized and efficient equipment.
The collaboration between tennis and these emerging technologies is creating a brighter, healthier, and more exciting future for the sport, benefiting not only elite players but also recreational enthusiasts worldwide.
The Research & Development Tax Credit
The now permanent Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit is available for companies developing new or improved products, processes and/or software.
3D printing can help boost a companyās R&D Tax Credits. Wages for technical employees creating, testing and revising 3D printed prototypes can be included as a percentage of eligible time spent for the R&D Tax Credit. Similarly, when used as a method of improving a process, time spent integrating 3D printing hardware and software counts as an eligible activity. Lastly, when used for modeling and preproduction, the costs of filaments consumed during the development process may also be recovered.
Whether it is used for creating and testing prototypes or for final production, 3D printing is a great indicator that R&D Credit-eligible activities are taking place. Companies implementing this technology at any point should consider taking advantage of R&D Tax Credits.
Conclusion
Tennis is not just a sport; it is a driver of technological and health-related innovation. Its integration with sports analytics provides real-time insights that can improve performance and prevent injuries, while 3D printing allows for unprecedented customization of equipment. This convergence makes tennis an exciting field not only for players but also for industries like sports analytics and 3D printing, which are finding new ways to thrive in this ever-evolving ecosystem. As technology and health trends continue to grow, tennis will remain at the forefront, showcasing its enduring relevance in modern society. Its championship point and tennis, public health, and sports analytics are the clear winners!
