How AI Raised the Bar for Fan Experience at the Australian Open

With AI quickly becoming a focus in every aspect of our lives, it’s no surprise that it’s now entered the in-person sports experience.

As part of the eight-year partnership with Tennis Australia, Infosys unveiled an array of new AI-focused innovations at this year’s Australian Open. These focus primarily on the fan experience and bringing entertainment, fun, and accessibility to tennis fans at the event.

By far, the biggest eye-catching innovation at this year’s tournament is Rally, an interactive AI mascot. He’s described as a “humanoid robot powered by generative AI and designed for safe, tennis-first interactions.” Judging from a Facebook video from the tournament’s official account, the robot is a huge hit as it interacts with fans through unique experiences like Serve Me a Fortune, offering playful tennis-themed predictions; Selfie Mode, where fans can capture memorable photos with Rally; and Ask Rally, an interactive chat for match insights and predictions powered by the Infosys Win Predictor.

While Rally provides more of a fun spectacle, there is a truly exciting breakthrough that has the potential to bring more accessibility to blind or low vision fans. And that is MatchFeel, an accessibility experience enabling blind and visually impaired fans to follow live tennis through touch. Using real-time ball and match data, MatchFeel converts on-court action into tactile and haptic feedback on a physical court surface. This currently is running as a pilot innovation for select users, but we assume there will be plans for expanded use.

"Infosys continues to help us elevate the Australian Open through technology that enriches the experience,” said Craig Tiley, CEO of Tennis Australia and Australian Open Tournament Director. “At AO 2026, new accessibility initiatives and AI capabilities show how digital innovation can make the tournament more inclusive, informed, and engaging. Technology is an amplifier that heightens emotions, stories and gives a sense of connection. We're excited to welcome innovations that help more people feel part of this great event."

Innovations like these change the way fans experience the game. It not only creates new forms of entertainment, but also brings a level of accessibility that’s never been available before. Staying on the cutting edge of technology is necessary to continue bringing in record fans, and the Australian Open has proven it can keep up as it hit record attendance numbers this tournament.