The Premise of the Tennis Innovation Conference

By Fernando Segal and Carlos Salum, co-founders of TIC

  • Innovation is Strategy.

  • Innovation ensures constant and enduring Growth.

  • Innovation is the Future of Tennis Worldwide

The Fundamentals:

1. Diverse Speaker Lineup: TIC aims to bring together various speakers from different industries, including sports, media, entertainment, and technology, to discuss the confluence of these fields and how it impacts tennis.

2. Implementing Innovation: While talking about innovation is easy, implementing it is challenging. The conference focuses on not just discussing innovation but also providing a platform to learn from others and implement innovative ideas in tennis.

3. Extending Time Horizon: Speakers emphasize the need to extend the time horizon in planning and goal-setting, looking five to ten years ahead to anticipate trends and challenges in the rapidly changing sports landscape.

4. Inspiration Leading to Action: The objective is not just to inspire but also to encourage action. The conference aims to share stories of successful ventures, highlighting the journey from idea to execution, to motivate attendees to take risks and innovate.

5. Cooperation Mentality: The conference promotes a cooperative mentality among speakers and attendees, with a shared goal of improving the tennis industry through innovation.

6. Role of Technology: Technology is seen as a tool to enhance various aspects of tennis, from player performance analysis to fan engagement. However, it's emphasized that technology alone is not a solution; it requires strategic thinking to leverage its potential effectively.

7. Ambassadorial Role of Coaches: Coaches are encouraged to see themselves as ambassadors for tennis, not just within the club but also in broader communities, promoting the sport's transformative potential and engaging with stakeholders beyond the tennis world.

8. Club as a Center of Opportunity: Tennis clubs are viewed as more than just facilities; they are seen as leadership schools for coaches and players, as well as centers of opportunity for community engagement and growth.

TIC also emphasizes the importance of branding for tennis coaches and the need to prioritize the promotional aspect of tennis, as follows:

1. Branding for Coaches: Coaches need to understand that their name is their brand, and they must align with the values they represent. Even if they don't actively develop commercial branding, their actions and reputation create a brand that others perceive. It's essential to understand and communicate one's values and qualities to establish a positive brand.

2. Promotional Aspect of Tennis: There's a call to bring back the promotional aspect of tennis, focusing on creating welcoming environments and connecting with people. Emphasis is placed on the importance of personal interactions and emotional connections in promoting the sport effectively.

3. Lessons from Other Industries: Examples are drawn from other industries, such as Formula One, to learn about effective promotion and engagement strategies. The success of initiatives like the Netflix series "Drive to Survive" in Formula One highlights the importance of emotional engagement and storytelling in attracting and retaining audiences.

4. Community Building and Collaboration: As co-founders, we express our commitment to building an online community through the Tennis Innovation Conference, where attendees can access presentations, interact with speakers, and collaborate on projects. The goal is to create a platform for continuous learning, sharing experiences, and fostering innovation within the tennis community.

5. Joyful Collaboration: Collaborating in the production of TIC is a joyful experience driven by a shared commitment to promoting innovation in tennis. We emphasize the importance of taking action and bringing innovation to the sport at all levels, encouraging coaches and stakeholders to contribute positively to the growth of tennis.

As Tennis Innovation Experts, this is How we Walk the Innovation Talk:

  • We are creating a Tennis Innovation Council to gather some of the most influential minds within and outside the sport and define the key breakthrough factors for growth.

  • We are launching an international online community (Tennis Innovation World) to congregate active, committed and ambitious tennis entrepreneurs and get things done.

  • We advise tennis start-ups as strategists and marketing and promotions experts.

  • We are participating in the development of Coaches Certification curricula for leading tennis organizations in areas related to New Methodologies, Innovation and Technology.

Useful Definitions to Consider:

Creativity

Creativity is how we look at the same situation in a different way.

We apply Creativity to generate an idea to apply specifically to our circumstances.

Example: Mini-Tennis and Street Racket use the graduation of the length of playing areas, of racquet size and ball bounce to stimulate learning through instant play.

Innovation

Innovation is doing something NEW that creates VALUE and generates REVENUE.

It’s a PROCESS involving Idea Generation, Selection, Testing and Implementation.

Example: the use of graphite and other space-age materials in racquet construction improves performance, durability and player satisfaction at all skill levels.

The Innovative Tennis Leader

An Innovative Tennis Leader is a flexible, versatile, creative and resilient THINKER who always aspires to be a Better Thinker.

Traits of an Effective Thinker:

  • Always improving

  • Evaluates alternatives

  • Uses thinking tools

  • Competent and confident, not arrogant

  • Curious, not defensive

Examples of Tennis Innovations through History:

  • Variety of racquet sizes

  • Racquet frame space materials

  • Irradiated and new polymer strings

  • Fluorescent optic color balls

  • Court surface materials and paints

  • Tie-breaker/No-Ad scoring/Pro Set

  • Programmable ball machines

  • Tennis shoes design/rubbers/polymers

  • Grips and overgrips

  • Electronic stringing machines and devices

  • Match-play data analysis

  • Dr. Jim Loehr Mental Toughness Training

  • Team Tennis

  • Hawk eye – Video Replay

  • Playsight – Wingfield – SwingVision

  • Club Management Software

  • Clock on court – Scoreboards

  • Video and Biomechanical Stroke Analysis

  • Mini-Tennis – Graduated Length Method

  • Cardio Tennis

  • Artificial Intelligence Technologies

  • Universal Tennis Rating – ITF Number

  • AR/VR Active Training

  • Interactive Stadium features

 

Our Tennis Innovation Manifesto

by the Tennis Innovation Conference Producers

We, as enthusiasts and advocates of tennis, stand at the forefront of innovation in our beloved sport. With millions of recreational players worldwide, we recognize the importance of taking a leap into the future to shape the next five to ten years of tennis.

Our commitment to innovation led us to create the Tennis Innovation Conference, a platform where we gather to envision the future of tennis and inspire others to join us in this journey. Just as Major Wingfield transformed the game in 1873 with the creation of Lawn Tennis, we aspire to foster an innovation culture within tennis, understanding that innovation is the key to growth.

We believe that innovation doesn't come from within the sport alone; it often arises from external sources and is embraced when it meets the needs of the market. Innovation is not limited to technology; it encompasses coaching methods, teamwork approaches, leadership strategies, and more.

As we explore the possibilities of innovation, we envision a future where technology simplifies the connection between players, coaches, and clubs, extending the tennis experience beyond the court and into our daily lives. By embracing innovation, we extend the life of the tennis club to 24 hours, ensuring that every member feels connected and valued.

Tennis is more than just a sport; it's a universal language that unites people from all walks of life. We are committed to fostering a collaborative environment where every player, regardless of skill level or background, feels included and valued. Through initiatives like the United Cup and the Tennis ID, we promote collaboration and inclusivity in tennis, ensuring that everyone feels welcome in our community.

Our vision extends beyond the court to embrace sustainability and technological integration. We envision tennis clubs powered by renewable energy sources, digital platforms that connect players globally, and a culture of innovation that permeates every aspect of the sport.

At the heart of our efforts lies a commitment to the user experience, ensuring that every innovation serves to enhance the enjoyment and satisfaction of our players and fans. We invite speakers and experts to guide us in our quest for systematic innovation, grounded in human needs and delivering tangible results.

As we embark on this journey of innovation, we invite every member of the tennis community to join us. Whether you are a player, coach, club owner, or enthusiast, there's a place for you in our international tennis innovation community. Together, we can transform tennis into a platform for growth, connection, and positive change.

Our legacy is not just about creating a better sport; it's about inspiring a movement of innovation and collaboration that transcends boundaries and transforms lives. Join us in shaping the future of tennis – together, we can make a difference.

Fernando Segal and Carlos Salum