The world’s first connected tennis racket comes over to UK

London, National Tennis Centre, 13 May 2014 – Babolat, international leader in tennis innovation, announces the launch of the world’s first-ever connected racket on the United Kingdom market: Babolat Play Pure Drive, available for retail on May 19th.

A BRAND INNOVATION, A TENNIS REVOLUTION

After 10 years of research, extensive testing and input from the tennis community, Babolat offers a breakthrough innovation, which will revolutionize the game of tennis: the new Babolat Play Pure Drive.

Gathering data to analyze your game and skills is a new concept in the game of tennis. Just as sports like running and biking have changed with quantified-self technologies, Babolat Play Pure Drive alters the game of tennis. “In tennis, as in other sports, sharing and comparing experiences through digital tools is becoming the new norm” said Eric Babolat. “We’re adding concrete information to the sensations players receive.”

A NEW TENNIS EXPERIENCE = Tennis is now a connected sport

IMPROVE YOUR GAME

With the Babolat Play Pure Drive, you can go back in time to review past games and practices, and track the progression of your game.

STAY EVEN MORE MOTIVATED!

A fun new gamification feature allows the player to advance through different levels: the more you play, the higher the level you can reach.

SHARE WITH YOUR COMMUNITY/CHALLENGE YOUR COMMUNITY

The Babolat Play digital platform creates both global and category rankings. You can get a look at the profile and level of your friends, of Babolat Pro Players and of everyone else using Babolat Play Pure Drive. Babolat Play has the same physical specifications as a regular Babolat Pure Drive racket. Price: 350£.

THE FIRST CONNECTED TENNIS RACKET

The Babolat Play Pure Drive can be easily turned on before a practice session or game by a switch on the end of the handle. Sensors integrated into the handle of the Babolat Play Pure Drive racket allow players to have access to information about their game.

Babolat Play Pure Drive collects exciting data like shot power and ball impact location along with number of strokes (forehand, backhand, serve, smash), spin, total and effective play time, endurance, technique, consistency, energy and rallies.

When the player has finished playing, information is transmitted through a Bluetooth connection with a smartphone or from a USB to a computer. Players will be able to share information with the Babolat Play community through a dedicated platform at Babolatplay.com and on a Babolat Play App.

AN APPROVED RACKET FOR COMPETITION

On January 1st, 2014, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) adopted a new rule, Rule 31, permitting the use of player-analysis technology during competition, with prior approval by the ITF. Tennis players worldwide are able to play connected games with the Babolat Play Pure Drive.




By press release