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Infosys and Tennis Australia unveil AI innovations for Australian Open 2025
MUMBAI: Are you watching the Australian Open on SonyLiv or one of the Sony Sports channels in the wee hours of the morning?
Pause, wait a minute – a lot of what you are watching is courtesy of an Indian digital services and consulting company – Infosys.
The firm has been mandated by Tennis Australia to unleash a cutting-edge suite of AI-driven features for the Australian Open (AO) 2025.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in their seven-year collaboration, aimed at enhancing the immersive tennis experience through innovative technologies.
Central to these advancements is Infosys Topaz, an AI-first suite utilising generative AI technologies to revolutionise fan engagement, empower players and coaches, and expand digital interactivity in tennis. Key highlights include:
Beyond Tennis: This pioneering offering is the world’s first generative AI-powered tennis league. Fans can interact with 16 AI-crafted virtual players across eight teams, training their teams and participating in AI-generated tournaments year-round. Dubbed The Slam That Never Stops, the league aims to captivate younger Gen Z audiences while ensuring a safe digital environment through a responsible AI framework.
AI Commentary: The Infosys Match Centre will feature AI Commentary on AO digital properties, providing real-time insights during matches. Utilising advanced large language models, this tool will deliver concise, engaging updates at each match moment.
VR AI Stadium: : At the Infosys Fan Zone in Melbourne Park, fans can explore a new VR AI Stadium, where they can create and play on imaginative virtual courts, including nature-inspired and themed designs.
Wait, there’s more if you’re a tennis fan and also a technology geek.
Infosys is empowering the Australian Open with video analytics and machine learning tools, providing players and coaches access to post-match reviews and pre-game video analysis. The AI Shot of the Day feature assists in rapid content creation for social media, highlighting remarkable on-court moments.
The Infosys Fan Zone is climate-conscious, with a fully offset carbon footprint and recyclable structures. Additionally, the Future Leaders Program, powered by Infosys Springboard, offers participants digital learning and exposure to generative AI.
Infosys executive vice president – Asia Pacific, Andrew Groth stated, “We continue to push the boundaries of technology to enhance fan engagement and player performance. Our latest generative AI innovations will redefine the experience for fans, players, and coaches.”
Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley added, “Infosys has consistently elevated our digital offerings. The AI advancements at AO 2025 will deliver new interactivity for fans and invaluable insights for players, showcasing the transformative impact of technology in tennis.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
