Are we baby step closer to Novak, Rafa or Roger? Thanks to the first connected tennis racquet, we definitely are!

The accompanying app shows a full overview of how a player’s game evolves over time, as well as how they stack up against others (both friends and strangers).Intended for both beginners and advanced players, sensors on the handle can collect data about the player’s swing, power, endurance, technique and ball impact. That information is then sent to Babolat Play’s accompanying app, so users can analyze their skills and ultimately improve how they play. The next time you hit a tennis ball out of bounds, your racquet can tell you why.

The app shows a full overview of how a player’s game evolves over time, as well as how they stack up against others (both friends and strangers). An online community brings together players at recreational and competitive levels, letting them interact and keep tabs on each other. Attracting attention at the 2014 International CES show in Las Vegas this week, the Babolat Play ($399) comes from manufacturer Babolat, known for its wide collection of racquets.

Said company believes all tennis racquets will have connected capabilities in the upcoming years, and has been working with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to make sure the court rules are reflected in the device. In support of innovating the sport, the ITF recently modified the rules of tennis by allowing the use of player analysis technologies during official competitions. The new rule has kicked off on January 1st.

[Via: Mashable]