The new V1 Tennis Simulator combines entertainment and skill-based games for players at every level

The professional tennis tour has seen a number of technological improvements from match analytics to video-assisted officiating in recent years. But soon, thanks to a new AI-powered training tool, tennis for the amateurs may also be embracing technological advancements.

The V1 Tennis Simulator, powered by Tennis Social AI, is reimagining the sport for everyone—including non-tennis players who want to get in on the fun. It is being developed by Tennis Social AI, a project announced last year in the aftermath of the US Open, bills itself a as a 'Topgolf-for-tennis' concept that hopes to make the sport more social.

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Through customizable video games, performance analysis, and real-time feedback, the simulator is a social tool for improving skills over time.

“We’ve created a tennis simulator that is not only entertaining but also an economical solution for the sport,” CFO of Tennis Social AI Steven McClendon said. “It’s our vision to bring more racquets into people’s hands, making tennis a sport that can be enjoyed by all.”

It's a sentiment that has been expressed even by the game's greats. Earlier this year, Novak Djokovic emphasized the need for tennis to evolve, and expressed his concerns for its future as he urged listeners, players, and fans alike to consider the economical realities of running the sport at the grassroots level.

“In terms of innovation in our sport ... we have to figure out how to attract a young audience," the 24-time Grand Slam champion said in a Wimbledon press conference, calling tennis at the club level "endangered" by other racquet sports including padel and pickleball.

"If we don’t do something about it, globally or collectively, padel, pickleball in the [United] States, they’re gonna convert all the tennis clubs into padel and pickleball. Because it’s more economical. You have one tennis court … you can build three padel courts on one tennis court."

Little did Djokovic know that the V1 Tennis Simulator had been two years in the making. Now, it is also officially on the market. Currently in its pre-sale phase, installations at tennis clubs, entertainment venues, fitness centers, and offices will begin in 2025.