The Zepp tennis tracking sensor and app, also known as the ‘smart racket’, has been making headlines because at the US Open, professional player Milos Raonic hoped it would help him improve his game. Can this smart racket technology really help you become a champion?

At least not this time. Raonic started strong and began the US Open with a straight set win, but was knocked out (quite surprisingly) in the second round of the tournament. Many people wonder if he will continue to train with the tracker and if he will ultimately improve his performance at future Grand Slams.

During an interview, Canadian tennis star Raonic revealed that the first thing he does when he wakes up in the morning is check his heart rate and write it down, later to use it as a barometer of recovery and a baseline of what his tennis training should be like. day. as. He then uses the Zepp sensor and associated app to get an in-depth and surprisingly data-rich analysis of his swing.

The tennis tracking sensor is super lightweight at 0.27 ounces and mounts to the butt of your tennis racket and begins tracking metrics like power, impact location, spin, and shot type. It uses three gyroscopes and a dual accelerometer to capture over 1,000 data points per second, but it’s so incredibly light that Raonic claims he doesn’t notice it. The device’s algorithm then converts the collected data into real-time metrics, providing the player with numbers that allow the formation of an objective frame of reference to improve performance. This can attract beginners to easily choose the best tennis racket.

For Raonic, this tiny contraption is most useful when he’s taken a break or when he just can’t seem to get the ball to behave the way he wants. Data allows you to go beyond your gut feeling, giving you something more concrete to work on.

Raonic also revealed that his coach often stands just a few feet from him with a phone in hand to collect data after a few shots and give him instant feedback. They also use the app together to get an overview of the day’s practice.

Tennis has long had an “old school” reputation; this sport has not always been enthusiastic about the use of new high-tech tools. But according to Raonic, this is changing. More players, especially those in the younger generation, might appreciate getting information and making their training more scientific.