On a sunny day at Sunrise Tennis Club, Florida Tennis got an up-close look at the Acemate Tennis Robot S10, one of the most talked-about training tools currently making the rounds on social media. Hosted by DJ Mad Linx and Florida Tennis Assistant Editor Alex Binstok, the demo brought together players and coaches to see how the AI-powered machine performs in a real-world setting. The goal was simple: test the technology, put players through challenging drills, and find out whether Acemate can truly replicate the experience of training with a live opponent.
Above (Left to right): DJ Mad Linx, Alex Binstok
On the day, Alex Binstok was among the first to spend time exploring the machine’s capabilities before players stepped onto the court. After testing its features and customization options, he quickly realized this was more than a traditional ball machine. “It’s a really great ball machine,” Binstok said. “I’ve seen a few different ball machines, and this one really takes my breath away.” What stood out most was the flexibility.
One feature that immediately caught attention was the machine’s ability to move around the court rather than remain stationary. Combined with its AI-powered programming, the system can create drills that feel less predictable than traditional ball-machine sessions. Binstok pointed out that players can either create their own custom workouts or rely on the built-in library of drills. “If you want it to be preset or custom, then, yeah, it could do whatever you needed to,” he said. The machine also allows users to adjust difficulty levels, making it suitable for beginners and advanced players alike. “You could go anywhere between one to five stars,” Binstok said, noting that some of the higher-level drills “could really take it out of you.”
Portability was another pleasant surprise. With all of the technology packed inside, many players might expect the machine to be difficult to move. Instead, Binstok found the opposite. “It’s really easy to take around,” he said. “One person can move it around by themselves.” That ease of transport opens the door for players who want advanced training without needing extra help to set up and move equipment.
Above (Left to right): DJ Mad Linx, Marcelo Smashey
The first player to put Acemate Tennis Robot S10 through its paces was Marcelo Smashey, who arrived eager to work on his backhand. “I’d love to work on some backhands, definitely went through a lot of those on the run and stepping in,” he said before the session began. After a demanding workout, Marcelo stepped off the court impressed by the experience. “I actually really liked it,” he said. “It felt so different cause it was moving with me, which I really enjoyed.” He also noticed that the machine changed shots in a way that felt more natural. “It felt much smoother rather than as mechanical as other ones I played with.”
For Marcelo, consistency was another major strength. While ball placement varied throughout the drills, the quality of the shots remained steady. “I think it was very consistent,” he said. “Even though it was different placement, overall, the quality of the shot never really dipped or went up.” When asked if he would recommend AceMate as a training partner, his answer was immediate. “Oh, absolutely,” he said. “Very much a thumbs up.”
Above (Left to right): DJ Mad Linx, Shravani Chennamsetty
Next on court was Shravani Chennamsetty, who is preparing to begin her freshman year at the University of Illinois. Like many competitive juniors, she has spent plenty of time around ball machines throughout her tennis career. What caught her attention about Acemate Tennis Robot S10 was how closely it resembled an actual opponent. “I haven’t seen stuff that moves with you and simulates an actual player,” she said. “The fact that this moves with you and kind of actually replicates how a person actually plays is such a huge advantage.” Chennamsetty wanted to test the machine with forehands on the run, giving the system an opportunity to showcase its movement and adaptability.
After finishing her session, Chennamsetty was equally enthusiastic. “I actually loved it,” she said. “I thought, like I said earlier, it simulated a player really well.” She also appreciated the ability to control settings through a smartphone. “The fact that you can adjust the settings on your phone makes it really accessible and customizable,” she said. In her view, that level of customization is something many current machines still lack.
Perhaps the most interesting observation came when discussing timing. Traditional ball machines often feed balls at a predictable rhythm, allowing players to settle into a groove. The Acemate Tennis Robot S10 takes a different approach. “Usually with ball machines you have that steady tempo that you’re really familiar with,” Chennamsetty explained. “But knowing that the timing is a little bit different and it’s able to show the various players you’ll play and simulate the actual timing of a point and hitting with someone.” She believes that feature can help players prepare for real match situations. “It does prepare you well for on-court actual points and match play,” she said.
By the end of the day, the feedback from everyone involved pointed in the same direction. Players appreciated the movement, customization, consistency, and realistic shot patterns. The machine delivered challenging workouts while creating a training environment that felt closer to actual tennis than a traditional ball machine session. As Chennamsetty summed it up after stepping off the court, “It definitely is rigorous and you’re sweating a lot and it pushes you. So I feel like that’s just what people need nowadays.” For players looking to maximize practice time when a hitting partner isn’t available, the Acemate Tennis Robot S10 made a strong impression during its visit to Sunrise Tennis Club.
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Written By Assistant Editor, Alex Binstok.
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