Future Trends in Tennis: Part 3

Could electronic line calling systems eliminate cheating at all levels? In the last article I looked at the concept of what I call "ambiplayers" and what their strokes might look like now and in the future. (Click Here.) Now let’s turn to the issue of advances in technology in several areas, starting with so-called smart courts. The End of Cheating? Due to the increased prevalence and the cost reduction in electronic line calling systems such as Playsight and Hawkeye, cheating could finally be eliminated from the game at all levels. This will be especially important to the growth and popularity of the junior competitive circuit, which currently has rampant cheating. At all competitive levels, electronic and computer assisted line calling could eventually replace all humans including umpires and lines judges. First the line judges would go and then—later on—the umpires too. Will on court coaching become universal—and even become more advanced? Smart court systems could eliminate cheating for recreational players as well. It could become rare to play on a non "smart" court, as most courts everywhere could eventually be equipped with smart sensors and cameras enabling better fairer match play. This is just part of the larger trend known...