SAP has impressed the coaches and players on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) circuit, not least Patrick Mouratoglou, coach of WTA World No. 1 Serena Williams.
SAP and the WTA announced in August 2013 that they would be collaborating in a global relationship to help provider tennis players, coaches, fans and the media with unprecedented insights through interactive analytics underpinned by the SAP HANA platform.
SAP has been working with the WTA to develop innovative technology and apps to further engage fans, offer players the tools to analyse performance and optimize strategy, and better serve the media.
They kicked off the season at the Brisbane International 2014, held last week. Coaches received access to SAP post-match point-by-point analysis, allowing them to focus on the subtle differences and technique variations that players use throughout a match. Not only does this allow coaches to dissect their players game, it can also be used to analyse other players and help develop an optimal strategy for each opponent.
Mouratoglou said, “I’ve always incorporated statistics in my work whether with my player on tour or at my tennis Academy. I believe that we need an objective tool to serve our expertise and make it more accurate. I’ve been looking for a tool of that level for many years and I finally found it with SAP.
“The ability to access tailored SAP data means I can now provide my player with a more scientific level of information on her game and that of her opponents. I see this new technology as a big step forward for the sport.”
The media were also provided with access to detailed SAP analytics and insights, to inform commentary.
SAP’s aim in taking its expertise into the world of sport is to transform the sports experience by enhancing and evolving how data is consumed and ultimately used to make decisions, as well as influence and envision new possibilities.
“The innovative solutions we have already developed are only the beginning of what we plan to deliver for the tennis world in 2014 and beyond,” said Andrew Barkla, president and managing director, SAP Australia and New Zealand.
Photo: Matt Roberts, Brisbane International 2014
