MELBOURNE, Australia — January 29, 2026
Executive Summary
Infosys, a global provider of digital services and consulting, has announced a new set of artificial intelligence–driven experiences for the Australian Open (AO) 2026, developed in partnership with Tennis Australia. The initiatives are powered by Infosys Topaz™, the company’s generative and agentic AI suite, and build on an eight-year collaboration between the two organizations. According to Infosys, the latest innovations are designed to enhance fan engagement, support players and coaches, and advance accessibility across both on-site and digital experiences at the tournament. The announcement introduces new accessibility-focused and interactive technologies, including MatchFeel, a tactile experience for blind and visually impaired fans, and Rally, an AI-powered interactive mascot, alongside enhancements to existing AI platforms used at the Australian Open.
Announcement Overview
Infosys unveiled its latest technology innovations for AO 2026 as part of its ongoing partnership with Tennis Australia. The company stated that the new experiences leverage generative and agentic AI capabilities within Infosys Topaz™ to deliver real-time insights, interactive fan engagement, and inclusive access to the sport.
According to Infosys, the collaboration aims to redefine how audiences engage with tennis by combining live data, AI-driven analysis, and responsible innovation principles. The announcement highlights a focus on expanding access to the Australian Open for a broader range of audiences, including fans with visual impairments, while also providing players, coaches, and media with advanced analytical tools.
The initiatives for AO 2026 represent a continuation of Infosys’ role as a digital innovation partner to Tennis Australia. The company indicated that the new features are intended to complement existing digital platforms deployed at the tournament in previous years, while introducing new use cases centered on accessibility, interaction, and immersive engagement.
Key Announcement Details
- Announcement type: Technology partnership and innovation rollout
- Event: Australian Open 2026
- Partners: Infosys and Tennis Australia
- Technology platform: Infosys Topaz™ (generative and agentic AI)
- Primary focus areas: Fan engagement, accessibility, analytics, responsible AI
- Geographic location: Melbourne, Australia
- Deployment timing: Australian Open 2026 tournament period
Strategic Context
According to the company, global sporting events increasingly rely on digital platforms to enhance audience engagement and operational efficiency. Infosys stated that its collaboration with Tennis Australia reflects a broader industry shift toward the use of AI-driven technologies to personalize experiences, interpret complex data in real time, and improve accessibility for diverse audiences.
The Australian Open has served as a long-term platform for Infosys to deploy and test digital innovations at scale. Infosys noted that its eight-year partnership with Tennis Australia has allowed for the progressive introduction of AI-based features across fan engagement, broadcast support, and performance analysis.
For AO 2026, the company emphasized that the focus extends beyond insight generation to include inclusive design and responsible AI deployment. According to Infosys, all AI systems introduced for the tournament operate within defined governance frameworks intended to ensure safety, transparency, and relevance to tennis-specific use cases.
New Innovations for Australian Open 2026
MatchFeel: Experiencing Tennis Through Touch
Infosys introduced MatchFeel as a new accessibility-focused innovation designed to enable blind and visually impaired fans to follow live tennis matches through tactile interaction. According to the company, MatchFeel converts real-time ball tracking and match data into physical feedback on a specially designed court surface.
The system uses engraved court lines and a magnetic ring that traces the movement of the ball as rallies unfold. Vibration patterns are used to indicate changes in speed and direction, allowing users to perceive match dynamics through touch. Infosys stated that the experience is synchronized with live audio commentary to provide contextual understanding alongside tactile feedback.
At AO 2026, MatchFeel will be deployed as a pilot initiative for a select group of users. According to the company, the pilot is intended to evaluate how tactile and haptic technologies can expand access to live sports experiences for audiences with visual impairments.
Rally: The Interactive AI Mascot
Infosys also announced Rally, an interactive AI-powered mascot that will be featured at the Infosys Fan Zone during AO 2026. Rally is described as a humanoid robot designed for tennis-focused interactions and powered by generative AI.
According to Infosys, Rally connects to live Australian Open match data and engages fans through a range of interactive experiences. These include “Serve Me a Fortune,” which provides tennis-themed predictions, a “Selfie Mode” for fan photos, and “Ask Rally,” a conversational interface that offers match insights and predictions powered by the Infosys Win Predictor.
Infosys stated that Rally operates under strict Responsible AI guardrails. These include limitations to tennis-related content, controlled physical movements, and fully governed system behavior. The company emphasized that the mascot is designed to deliver safe and engaging interactions within a defined scope.
Keys to the Match: AI-Generated Match Insights
Another feature highlighted in the announcement is “Keys to the Match,” an AI-powered capability that provides fans with simplified pre-match insights. According to Infosys, the feature generates three key data-driven insights per player ahead of each match.
The system draws on player rankings, head-to-head records, win probabilities, and performance strengths to present clear tactical cues. These may include indicators related to serve effectiveness, rally patterns, or performance under pressure. Infosys stated that the goal of the feature is to make complex tennis analytics more accessible to a broad audience.
Enhancements to Existing Australian Open Technology Platforms
Gen AI Stadium
Infosys announced enhancements to the Gen AI Stadium experience, which allows fans to create customized virtual tennis courts using speech-to-image generative AI. According to the company, fans can design courts in real time and participate in virtual reality tennis experiences, extending engagement beyond physical attendance.
Infosys Match Centre
The Infosys Match Centre continues to serve as a central digital hub for AO fans. The platform includes AI-powered features such as AI Commentary, which generates real-time, context-aware narratives during matches. Infosys stated that these tools are designed to complement traditional commentary by providing additional layers of data interpretation.
AI Shot of the Day and Player Analytics
Infosys also highlighted AI Shot of the Day, a feature that automatically generates highlight videos to support media coverage of the tournament. In addition, AI-powered video analytics tools provide players and coaches with advanced insights to analyze match performance, shot selection, and patterns of play.
According to the company, these analytics capabilities are intended to support preparation and performance evaluation for professional athletes while maintaining alignment with tournament regulations and data governance standards.
Sustainability and Education Initiatives
Infosys stated that the Infosys Fan Zone at Melbourne Park will continue to operate as a climate-active space, with a fully offset carbon footprint and recyclable structures. The company emphasized that sustainability remains an integral part of its engagement at the Australian Open.
In addition, Infosys and Tennis Australia will host the Future Leaders Program powered by Infosys Springboard at the Infosys Fan Zone. The program will bring together students in Years 9 to 11 from metropolitan and regional communities for a day of learning focused on technology and innovation.
According to Infosys, participants will gain exposure to how technology supports a global sporting event, while building digital skills and exploring themes such as leadership, inclusion, and generative AI.
Leadership Statements
“Our partnership with Tennis Australia continues to set a global benchmark for how AI can elevate sport,” said Andrew Groth, Executive Vice President, Asia Pacific, Infosys. “Sports should be for everyone and at AO 2026, we are bringing together responsible AI and human-centered design to create new ways for people to feel, understand and enjoy tennis. From a tactile court for visually impaired fans to an AI mascot for fans, Infosys Topaz is making the experience more accessible, insightful and immersive. These innovations demonstrate the broader potential of responsible AI to unlock new opportunities, drive stronger outcomes and accelerate digital transformation.”
Craig Tiley, CEO of Tennis Australia and Australian Open Tournament Director, added, “Infosys continues to help us elevate the Australian Open through technology that enriches the experience. 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.”
About Infosys
Infosys is a global provider of next-generation digital services and consulting. The company employs more than 330,000 people and serves clients across 63 countries. Infosys supports organizations navigating digital transformation through cloud- and AI-enabled solutions, supported by decades of experience managing complex enterprise systems.
The company operates with an AI-first approach, emphasizing agile digital capabilities, continuous learning, and the transfer of digital skills through its innovation ecosystem. Infosys has stated that it is committed to strong governance, environmental sustainability, and fostering an inclusive workplace.
Media Contacts
Infosys Media Relations
Infosys
Source Attribution
Source: Company announcement