The WTA Tour is adding software maker SAP to its stable of sponsors in a new multiyear deal set to be announced today. SAP will initially provide data analysis for the WTA's players, with future plans to broaden to fans and media. “Currently, tennis stats are incredible basic,” WTA VP/Communications Chris Wallace wrote in an e-mail. "Things like first serve percentages, aces and return percentages are key stats but they don’t give players very much insight into how to adjust their strategy. The current stats don’t have anything predictive (i.e. on the deuce point, 2nd serve Serena, going [up the middle] 82% of the time.) SAP will add point by point information that will share patterns, trends and additional analysis." SAP will be adaptive and take on-board feedback from players, coaches, media and fans, integrating their feedback into their analysis, which is "something that competitors disregard,” Wallace added. IBM handles data analysis and production for the four Grand Slams. SAP will also be sponsor of the WTA year-end championships.
