Advancing Aces: Where Tennis Meets Technology

Explore the intersection of tradition and technology in tennis, from the evolution of rackets to the data revolution and the immersive fan experience

Staff Reporter

Feb 25, 2024, 11:29 AM

Advancing Aces: Where Tennis Meets Technology  Photo by Josephine Gasser on Unsplash

So, we're stepping onto those sacred grass courts of tennis, where a wild match-up's going down: the age-old elegance of the game versus the zippy zaps of modern tech. Here, the old school gets a makeover, shaking the soul of tennis, its game plan, and the way we tell its tales.

From Dinosaurs to Dynamos: Rackets 2.0

Remember those hefty wooden rackets? Ancient history, my friend. Now, we're playing with super rackets—these bad boys are power-spin machines, born from the sweat of science and innovation. These days, rackets aren't just gear; they feel like sleek extensions of your own limbs.

And how about the magic ingredient? Titanium. Yep, not your garden-variety metal. This lightweight metal turns rackets into agility and power monsters. Imagine turbocharging your swing but still keeping it all under control. Manufacturers rely on titanium bars and weave this metal  into their designs, making it all more forgiving even when your technique's a bit off. For the weekend warriors, it kinda feels like having a magic wand that narrows the gap to the pros.

Also Read: Most Grand Slam finals in tennis history

Data Deluge: Stats Are the New Serve

Would you ever imagine data becoming tennis's new gold rush? It's happening. Coaches, players, even those armchair critics are gobbling up stats like there's no tomorrow. From serve speeds to playing habits, it's like finding treasure at every turn.

This overflow of info has turned the training and strategy game on its head. Players are now zeroing in on their game plans with pinpoint accuracy, knowing all too well both their own strengths and the other guy's weak spots. It's not just about tennis now; think of it as playing chess, but at a hundred miles an hour.

From Bleachers to Your Living Room: Tennis On-Demand

For us fans, tech's thrown open a portal to a world where any match is just a click away. Streaming services, socials, and apps have spun a web, drawing us right into the heart of the action. Miss a match? No sweat, just hit rewind and soak up the magic. Wondering about that surprise dark horse? Chances are there's a podcast spilling all their secrets.

And with VR and AR kicking around the corner, the next big thing is snagging a courtside seat at Wimbledon from your couch or shadowing your favorite player in a virtual clinic. The line's getting fuzzy between watching the game and feeling like you're in it, turning the whole fan experience into an electrifying ride.

Walking the Tightrope: Innovation with Rules

As long as the tech train speeds on, tennis is doing this delicate balancing act. Sure, innovation's thrilling, but not if it throws off the game's true spirit or fairness. The bigwigs of tennis have their hands full, making sure tech's charm doesn't tilt the playing field.

From those titanium rackets to the deep dive in data analysis, to peering into virtual worlds, tech is catapulting tennis into realms unknown. So far, as we surf this wave of progress, we're not just onlookers; we're part of the gripping saga of a timeless game that's boldly pushing boundaries, yet doing so with care. And in the grand scheme of things, it's this mesmerizing tango of tradition and tech that proves once more: just like those epic love stories, some matches—this blend of old and new—are meant to last forever.

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FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Draw: Groups, Format, and Schedule

Real Madrid were drawn against Al Hilal, CF Pachuca and FC Salzburg while Lionel Messi's Inter Miami was placed in the same group with FC Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Draw on Thursday. Here are all the details.

Muojindu Francis

Dec 5, 2024, 9:12 PM

FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Draw: Groups, Format, and Schedule - sportzpoint.com

Set to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025, the restructured global club football competition will bring together 32 teams from across the world to vie for the title of world champions.

The draw, held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, in Miami, showcased an impressive lineup of continental and domestic champions from every corner of the globe.

Among the standout contenders are Spain's Real Madrid, the UEFA Champions League winners, Brazil's Botafogo, the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores champions, and Egypt's Al Ahly, who are consecutive CAF Champions League winners.

New Format

New FIFA Club World Cup Trophy - sportzpoint.com
New FIFA Club World Cup Trophy. Image | FIFA

Traditionally featuring six to eight teams, the FIFA Club World Cup will now adopt a new format, hosting the largest number of participants in its history. Teams earned qualification by winning their respective continental club tournaments, such as the UEFA Champions League, and based on the confederations' four-year rankings.

South America (CONMEBOL) includes six teams, whereas Europe (whose confederation is UEFA) has twelve, making up the largest representation of the 32 teams.

There are four teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean (CONCACAF), Africa (AFC), and Asia (AFC).

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami was given a spot, as the domestic champions of the host country, Oceania (OFC) got one spot as well. The top two from each of the 8 groups will advance to the knockout stages after a round-robin group stage.

The final will take place at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey on 13 July.

Read Also | Substitutions that changed the football history

FIFA Club World Cup Groups

Group Teams
Group A
  • Palmeiras
  • Porto
  • Ah-Ahly
  • Inter Miami
Group B
  • Paris St German
  • Atletico Madrid
  • Botafago
  • Seattle Sounders
Group C
  • Bayern Munich
  • Auckland City
  • Boca Juniors
  • Benfica
Group D
  • Flamengo
  • El Tunis
  • Chelsea
  • Club Leon
Group E
  • River Plate
  • Urawa Red Diamonds
  • Monterrey
  • Inter Milan
Group F
  • Fluminese
  • Borussia Dortmund
  • Ulsan HD FC
  • Mamelodi Sundowns
Group G
  • Manchester City
  • Wydad
  • Al Ain
  • Juventus
Group H
  • Real Madrid
  • Al Hilal
  • Pachuca
  • FC Salzburg

When is the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States of America.

How many teams will take part in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?

A total of 32 teams from 6 continents will take part in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

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5 Foreign Stars Who Have Scored Most Goals in Premier League History

Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah secured his spot among an elite group of top three non-English players who have achieved remarkable goal-scoring milestones in English top-flight football by netting his 170th goal. Sportz Point breaks down the details of this exclusive club.

Muojindu Francis

Dec 5, 2024, 8:39 PM

5 Foreign Stars Who Have Scored Most Goals in Premier League History - sportzpoint.com

The Premier League has traditionally served as a platform for global talent, with players from all over the world displaying their abilities in one of the most competitive football leagues. Few international players have achieved remarkable heights making a lasting impression with their goal-scoring skills.

1. Sergio Aguero-184 goals

5 Foreign Stars Who Have Scored Over 120 Goals in Premier League History - Sergio Aguero - sportzpoint.com
Sergio Aguero has scored the most goals in Premier League history as a foreigner. 

Many people consider Argentine forward Sergio Aguero among Premier League history's best strikers. Aguero, who played for Manchester City from 2011 to 2021, changed the course of history with his precision finishing and ability to score goals at pivotal times. He has the best goals-to-games ratio of any player with more than 150 Premier League goals, scoring an incredible 184 goals in 275 games.

Aguero's most memorable moment came in 2012 when he dramatically won Manchester City's first Premier League title with an injury-time goal against QPR. He became a legend for City and the league at large due to his reliability and ability to perform well in crucial games.

Read Also | The Premier League’s Rising Stars in 2024

2. Thierry Henry- 175 goals

Thierry Henry - 5 Foreign Stars Who Have Scored Over 120 Goals in Premier League History - sportzpoint.com
Thierry Henry won four Premier League Golden Boot awards, more than anyone in history. Image | Arsenal

Thierry Henry, a French maestro, is known for his grace and skill in front of goal. Over two stints with the North London club, the Arsenal star scored 175 goals in 258 Premier League games. Henry won the Premier League Golden Boot four times, more than any other player in Premier League history, and was renowned for his incredible speed, skill, and ability to score spectacular goals on his own.

He scored 30 league goals and guided Arsenal to the championship during the undefeated "Invincibles" season of 2003–04, which was his most productive performance. Henry established the standard for what it meant to be a complete forward, his legacy endures even after retiring from football.

Read Also | Breaking Down the Most Iconic Football Facts and Moments of All Time

3. Mohammed Salah- 170 goals

5 Foreign Stars Who Have Scored Over 120 Goals in Premier League History - Mohamed Salah - 170 goals - sportzpoint.com
Mo Salah previously held the record for most goals in a 38-game Premier League season. Image | OPTA

Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Mohamed Salah has become one of the Premier League's most prolific goal-scorers. With more than 150 goals to his name, the Egyptian forward has consolidated his status as one of the greatest of all time. Salah made an explosive start, scoring 32 goals in the 2017-18 season, setting the record for the most goals in a 38-game campaign before Erling Haaland broke it again with 36 goals. 

Known for his blistering speed, sharp finishing, and relentless work ethic, Salah has been instrumental in Liverpool's recent successes, including their 2019-20 Premier League title. He may break more records as he continues to find the back of the net with remarkable consistency this season.

 4. Robin Van Persie- 144 goals

5 Foreign Stars Who Have Scored Over 120 Goals in Premier League History - Robin Van Persie | sportzpoint.com
Van Persie won the Premier League Golden Boot twice. Image | Goal

Robin Van Persie, who scored 144 goals in 280 Premier League games, is renowned for his exquisite finishing and outstanding technique. He won the Premier League Golden Boot twice (2011–12, 2012–13) he played for Manchester United from 2012–2015 and Arsenal from 2004–2012.

His best season was 2012–13 when he scored 26 goals and helped United win their 20th EPL title. Van Persie was one of the most feared strikers in the league because of his versatility, and ability to score from a variety of positions.

 5. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink- 127 goals

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink scored 127 goals in Premier League - the fifth most by a non-English player | sportzpoint.com
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is one of the greatest strikers to play for Chelsea.

The Dutchman combined physicality and powerful shots to create a formidable presence in front of goal. Between 1997 and 2007, he made 288 Premier League appearances, scoring 127 goals while playing for Leeds United, Chelsea, Middlesbrough, and Charlton Athletic.

With two Golden Boot victories (1998–99 and 2000–01), he rose to fame for his long-range shots and clinical finishing. He is still regarded as one of the best strikers to play in a Chelsea jersey.

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Fastest Hundreds in T20s

Indian team batsman Abhishek Sharma performed brilliantly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and scored a century in just 28 balls against Meghalaya. With this, Abhishek has jointly become the second batsman to score the fastest century in the T20 format. in this article, we will discuss the fastest hundreds in T20s.

Payal Debnath

Dec 5, 2024, 4:52 PM

Fastest Hundreds in T20s - Sportzpoint.com

Indian team batsman Abhishek Sharma performed brilliantly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and scored a century in just 28 balls against Meghalaya. With this, Abhishek has jointly become the second batsman to score the fastest century in the T20 format. in this article, we will discuss the fastest hundreds in T20s.

Also Read: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Shreyas Gopal gets hat-trick against Baroda; enters list of elites with most T20 hat-tricks

Fastest Hundreds in T20s

1# Sahil Chauhan (2024) | 27 Balls

Fastest Hundreds in T20s - Sportzpoint.com

Sahil Chauhan of Estonia holds the record of fastest hundreds in T20s. Chauhan scored a century against Cyprus in just 27 balls in the year 2024. In this match, Sahil had scored unbeaten 144 runs in 41 balls with the help of 6 fours and 18 sixes. His strike rate was 351.21. Sahil Chauhan had created a world record by playing this historic innings in the second innings.

2# 𝗔𝗯𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗸 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮 (2024) | 28 Balls

Fastest Hundreds in T20s - Sportzpoint.com

Indian Cricket Team batter Abhishek Sharma smashed a 28-ball century featuring for Punjab against Meghalaya. Sharma joined Urvil Patel to hit the joint fastest hundreds in T20s. The southpaw amassed 106 (29), which featured eight fours and eleven sixes. With 11 sixes against Meghalaya, Abhishek also broke Suryakumar Yadav's record for most sixes in a calendar year by an Asian batter in T20s. Sharma has 87 sixes, two more than SKY. 

3# Urvil Patel (2024) | 28 Balls

Fastest Hundreds in T20s - Sportzpoint.com

While playing for Gujarat in Syed Mushtaq Trophy 2024 against Tripura, Urvil Patel has done a wonderful job by scoring a century in 28 balls in T-20. Urvil has become the batsman to score the joined fastest century in T-20 for India. The right-handed batter made an unbeaten 113 off 35 balls with seven fours and 12 sixes.

4# Chris Gayle (2013) | 30 Balls

Fastest Hundreds in T20s - Sportzpoint.com

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle, while playing for the RCB team in 2013, made a record of scoring a century on only 30 balls in the IPL match against Pune Warriors and finished on 175 not out. Gayle also holds the record of hitting fastest century in Indian Premier League. Gayle blasted 17 sixes and 13 fours off just 66 deliveries.

5# Rishabh Pant (2018) | 32 Balls

Fastest Hundreds in T20s - Sportzpoint.com

Indian team's wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant, while playing for Delhi in the Syed Mushtaq Trophy in 2018, scored a century in only 32 balls in the match against Himachal Pradesh. Pant is now the fifth fastest batsman to score fastest hundreds in T20s. He finished with an unbeaten 38-ball 116. Pant made 104 of his runs in boundaries with 12 sixes and eight fours.

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AC Milan unveil stunning special 125th anniversary kit

AC Milan and Puma have unveiled a stunning new kit for the club's 125th anniversary. The kit will be worn by AC Milan in their next home match in San Siro against Genoa in the Serie A.

AC Milan unveil stunning special 125-year anniversary kit - sportzpoint.com

AC Milan have presented a beautiful new kit for the club's 125-year celebration. The new kit is crafted by the renowned brand PUMA to give a tribute to the Rossoneri's 125 years of legacy as one of the greatest Italian clubs ever, and the shirt will be donned by AC Milan players in their next home game against Genoa in the iconic San Siro Stadium. 

A stunning new kit to start the celebration

PUMA Present AC Milan's 125th Anniversary Kit - SoccerBible

The fourth kit of AC Milan this season is a special edition kit, to celebrate the club's legacy of long 125 years. Founded in 1899, AC Milan have consolidated themselves as one of the greatest Italian clubs in history. The shirt is significantly unveiled today, on 5 December 2024, which is 12.5 if numerically written. 

The iconic red and black striped design which originally emerged in the 1950s now enhances the beauty of the new kit; whereas the logo describes "Milan Football and Cricket Club". The badge pays homage to the very first logo of the club and Herbert Kilpin, the club's founder who wanted the club to represent both football and cricket. An emblematic symbol of AC Milan during the 1980s called 'Diavoletto', which means 'Little Devil', is printed inside the jersey with an inscription that reads 'AC Milan 125.'

Image

Back in December 2023, AC Milan invited some of its loyal supporters to the 'Design our Jersey. Design our Legacy' campaign. The key elements from AC Milan's long pages of history were chosen by the loyal supporters to be designed in the jersey. Only 1899 shirts each for a goalkeeper jersey, a football, and a limited edition retro jersey will be available to be purchased by fans. These shirts will also feature a unique serial number and receive an exclusive packaging. This is a tribute to the club's founding year, 1899. 

Franco Baresi, AC Milan's Honorary Vice President expressed his emotions about the special jersey:

This jersey is a reflection of AC Milan’s soul - its passion, its history, and the vision for its future. As someone who has proudly represented this Club for 50 years in many different roles, this milestone represents a moment of celebration and unity for the entire Rossoneri family. The 125th Anniversary is a testament to the values and spirit that make AC Milan extraordinary, and this kit is a beautiful way to honour our journey while celebrating the unwavering bond with our fans.

On behalf of PUMA, Marco Mueller, PUMA’s Senior Director of Product Line Management Teamsport said:

The 125th Anniversary kit is not only a celebration of AC Milan’s past but also a tribute to the unwavering passion of its fans. We’re honored to have worked with the Rossoneri faithful to create something that’s not only a piece of football history but also designed for performance and pride.

The 125th-anniversary kit was officially unveiled yesterday in Milan in an exclusive event at the club’s Flagship Store in Via Dante. This special kit will make its exciting on-field debut on December 8 when AC Milan Women will take on Inter Milan in the Milan Derby, followed by the men's team facing Genoa on December 15 at the San Siro Stadium. 

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Erik Ten Hag is reportedly shortlisted to replace Marco Rose as the next RB Leipzig manager

Ex-Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag has reportedly been shortlisted to be appointed as the next head coach of RB Leipzig, following the club's recent poor performance under current manager Marco Rose.

Erik Ten Hag is reportedly shortlisted to replace Marco Rose as the next RB Leipzig manager - sportzpoint.com

Former Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has been reportedly considered to be appointed as the next head coach of RB Leipzig. The Bundesliga side has been struggling across all competitions under current manager Marco Rose, and the Leipzig officials are in hunt for a new coach. 

Ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United in October 2024 after a series of distressing performances and he has not taken up any job since then. Now the Dutch coach has emerged as a strong candidate to sit in the dugout of RB Leipzig as the new head coach.  

The scenario 

Press conference with Marco Rose ahead of trip to Heidenheim
Marco Rose is under immense pressure at Leipzig. 

Pressure is mounting on current Leipzig manager Marco Rose following RB Leipzig's poor display in the UEFA Champions League and Bundesliga. Leipzig is currently positioned 34th in the 36-team league phase, losing all five matches they played in the UCL this season. They are currently 4th in the Bundesliga table with 21 points in 12 matches but it is not very convincing for Marco Rose. 

Leipzig were on a 6-match winless streak since their second-round win by 4-2 in DFB Pokal against St. Pauli in October 2024. The club lost decisively to Dortmund, Hoffenheim, and Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, and fell to Celtic and Inter Milan in both UCL matches. They only managed to bag one point after their goalless draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach on 9 November 2024. 

However, Leipzig thrashed Eintracht Frankfurt by 3-0 in the DFB Pokal Round of 16 last night to progress to the next round which has brought a lifeline for Rose. Leipzig will face Holstein Kiel in the Bundesliga later this week and they will face Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League next week. Without any further development, both these matches will be very crucial for Rose and the German coach may try his best to save his job. 

The shortlisted candidates 

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was appointed the Global Strategist for Red Bull Football Group. Klopp will oversee the football operations across the clubs under Red Bull Football Group which are RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg, RB Bragatino, and RB New York. There is a list of potential successors of Marco Rose and the next coach's name will be finalized by Jurgen Klopp, although he will start his tenure on 1 January 2025. 

Erik Ten Hag is reportedly the frontrunner for the job. The former Manchester United boss won two trophies at United but he is mostly respected for the construction of a feared Ajax side that reached the UCL semifinals in the 2018-19 season. 

According to Sky Germany, Roger Schmidt is another potential candidate for the job. The 57-year-old coach previously managed RB Leipzig's counterpart RB Salzburg and he was sacked by Benfica in August 2024. 

According to BILD, David Baum is also on the shortlist. Baum is currently the academy manager of RB Leipzig. The 45-year-old German coach previously managed German sides such as Augsburg and Schalke 04 and German national team age group teams. 

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