SportsTech Special: Helping tennis players to get an edge using VR technology with Bob Tetiva, CEO of SenseArena and Yannick Yoshizawa, VP for tennis (Czech Rep. / USA)

Bob Tetiva, CEO of SenseArena, Prague, Czech Republic, headquartered Sportstech start-up, and Yannick Yoshizawa, VP for tennis, spoke to  Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about their VR training tool for tennis and ice-hockey and how it helps professionals and amateurs to get an additional edge. 

Here is what they talked about:

Bob, Yannick – what are your backgrounds? How did you get to be at a juncture of sports and technology? SenseArena started with VR tools for ice hockey and now tennis. What’s the problem you are solving?How does it work? Is the focus on physical, technical, or mental improvement? Many sports, including tennis, are increasingly competitive, and players are looking for an additional edge to boost their chances of success. Even though it’s an individual sport, tennis players now travel with teams, often including psychologists or mental coaches. How does your tool differ from what human coaches or team members can offer? How do you differ from other analytical tools (racket sensors, video tracking)? While digital transformation and VR or metaverse received a boost during the pandemic, wouldn’t you be afraid that enthusiasm for VR can fade as the restrictions are being relaxed and people can practice on the court? Is your solution meant for professionals or amateurs, or both?I understand that a US pro, Jennifer Brady, tried your tool and explained that it’s not a game. Conversely, could an amateur use it in a game like virtual tennis on Meta / Oculus?VR headsets are getting better but are still quite heavy. How long can you train with Sense Arena’s tool? Tennis coaches sometimes widely disagree about how their players should play – for example, Richard Williams advocated for an open stance with his daughter’s coaches. Can you customize your approach using your tool, or do you drive towards a single viewpoint? The prize money has been steadily rising in tennis and endorsements. Still, even as prize money distribution has improved a little to benefit lower-ranked players, it’s a costly sport. What is your business model – how do you make money? What is the best way to reach out and learn about SenseArena? Website: SenseArena, and LinkedIn: Bob Tetiva and Yannick Yoshizawa