The Top 8 next-generation players or players aged under-21 will be allowed to use the wearable tracking technology at the Next-Gen ATP Finals 2019, in November, for the first time on the ATP Tour.
The data collected from this wearable technology will allow players and coaches to get key performance indexes and better understand athlete loading from his on-court moments and actions that are supported with objective data.
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According to the ATP, players and coaches at the tournament will be provided with post-match and post-practice reports, and they will also be able to synchronize data with video from matches for context.
The ATP has not yet disclosed which device will be implemented at the Next-Gen ATP Finals 2019. However, According to ATP World Tour, “the GPS receiver and inertial sensors in the device will measure velocity and direction, acceleration and force, rotation, body orientation, and will quantify internal load through heart rate.”
“The data from the wearable device, which will only be accessible by each player and those that the player gives access to, will provide accurate maps of movements and actions.”
The Next-Gen ATP Finals, which was recognized as the most innovative tournament at the Yahoo Sports Technology Awards 2018, will see the continuation of a number of innovations this year too.
The event has already put forth many innovations this year including shortening the best-of-five-set format to four sets with a tie-break at 3-All and No-Advantage scoring. Also, Electronic Line Calling through Hawk-Eye Live, a 25-second Shot Clock, In-Match player coaching via head-sets and Video Review has been added to this year’s event.
The ATP Chief Chris Kermode said: “From the outset, the Next-Gen ATP Finals have been at the cutting edge of innovation in our sport, and the use of wearable technology this year during matches will provide some invaluable insights to players, coaches and ATP medical services.”
He added: “This is a unique tournament that has always embraced new technologies, and this is the latest step as the event continues to pioneer innovation in the game.”
The Next-Gen ATP Finals 2019 will commence on November 5 and will conclude on November 9. Stefanos Tsitsipas is the defending champion at the event, which features the best men’s players aged 21 or younger.
