How AI-based coaching could change the game for Indian tennis players

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has launched AI Coach, a beta-stage digital tool that brings player rankings, ranking points and head-to-head records together on one platform, helping Indian tennis players access information about their opponents as they prepare for matches.How AI-based coaching could change the game for Indian tennis players (Representative photo: Reuters)New Delhi,Oct 29, 2026 17:23 ISTThe All India Tennis Association (AITA) has launched AI Coach, a new digital tool that allows players to access rankings, ranking points and head-to-head records of opponents. Available in beta, the platform is an early step towards making player information more accessible to the Indian tennis community.According to AITA, players can search for individual opponents and find relevant details in one place. The tool is intended to help them study match-ups and gather information before competitions.For tennis players, preparation often begins well before they step onto the court. Knowing an opponent’s record, ranking and previous meetings can help them understand the challenge ahead. AI Coach aims to make such information easier to find, particularly for players who may not have access to extensive support teams.However, the platform is still in its early stages, and its usefulness will depend on the information it can provide. AITA said it plans to integrate more tournament data to expand the database and offer players a wider range of insights. Rankings and head-to-head records can provide a starting point, but they do not tell the whole story. Recent form, playing style, fitness and performance on different surfaces also matter when preparing for a match. Whether AI Coach eventually covers these aspects will determine how useful it becomes beyond providing basic player information.For now, the platform is a resource for accessing player data rather than a substitute for coaching. Its development could make opponent research easier for Indian players, but much will depend on how regularly the database is updated and how much detail it offers. AITA secretary Sunder Iyer said the launch was part of the association’s efforts to use technology to make tennis-related information more accessible."The introduction of AI Coach reflects AITA's ongoing efforts to leverage digital innovation and technology to make tennis-related information more accessible to players. The beta launch marks an initial step towards developing a more data-driven resource for the Indian tennis community," Iyer said.AITA said the current version would continue to be upgraded as more tournament data is added to the system. For Indian tennis players, the immediate benefit is straightforward: easier access to information that can help them prepare for their opponents.- Ends