The Power of Data: How Analytics is Revolutionizing Tennis

Tennis is a game of skill, strategy, and now, data. Leveraging the power of analytics is no longer the domain of elite sports teams—it’s transforming the way players of all levels train, compete, and improve.

Unlocking Hidden Insights

At the forefront of this revolution is David Rea, a veteran coach and data analyst who believes analytics can provide game-changing insights. He cites the recruitment of Olivia Cant, an expert in Hawkeye data, as a significant asset to his team.

“Given her expertise working with Hawkeye data, Cant could, hypothetically, analyse every match a player contests across a season, and highlight how they execute returns on pressure points versus non-pressure points – right down to the respective percentage of points that player wins, depending on where the return lands,” Rea explains.

“Liv is so skilled with her coding and reporting that she can draw a little grey box in the area that’s the ‘danger zone’ and highlight the problem for that player because, say, they might only be winning nine per cent of those returning points,”

he continues. “The player would not necessarily be aware of this. Does that mean they need to be less risk-averse, and be more aggressive with their returning, accept making a few more errors, but at the same time turn the tables in their favour?


“If they do make those returns, more points can be on their terms, or more neutral, as compared to allowing their opponent to dictate.”

Storm Hunter’s Data-Driven Rise

One player who has embraced data analytics is Storm Hunter, a former doubles world No.1 who made a significant impact in singles in early 2024. Working closely with her coach Nicole Pratt, Hunter recognized that her second serve was vulnerable to attack.

“I don’t know a coach that’s any more data-informed or better-prepared for the opposition than Pratty,” Rea observes.

The duo dedicated the off-season to enhancing Hunter’s serve speed under pressure and fatigue. The results were evident in her impressive run at the Australian Open, where she reached the last 32, pushing No.9 seed Barbora Krejcikova to three sets.

“The stats showed I wasn’t getting put under pressure from a second serve return as much, and my paces were higher than they were the year before,” Hunter told ausopen.com.

“I think because we really only (tracked data) for summer, and I had such a positive experience, it kind of just reaffirmed what I do well – holding the centre of the court, being able to change direction, and take balls early, and just execute really well. It affirmed how I’m going to play to my strengths and how I’m going to win matches. 

“It just made it very clear that this is my game style, I don’t need to over-complicate it. I just need to do these things well.”

Data: A Critical Tool for Comeback

Following a season-ending Achilles injury, Hunter is using data analysis to guide her comeback.

“Using data from that same summer period, Rea and his team have provided Hunter with insights such as the distance she covered during points and matches, her top running speed, the areas of the court where she sprinted, and how many sprints she was doing each match,” Rea explains.

Transform Your Game With Data

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, data analytics can provide a competitive edge.

Ready to leverage the power of data in your tennis journey? Contact David Rea and his team to learn more about how you can unlock your full potential.