MELBOURNE: Indian technology major Infosys has been named the official digital innovation partner of the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the tennis calendar.
According to the terms of the 3-year deal, the company will leverage its expertise in emerging technologies like Big Data & Analytics, Artificial Intelligence as well as Virtual & Augmented Reality to provide unique, innovative and engaging experiences for fans.
This is Infosys’ second major association in the sport of tennis, having been involved in a similar capacity with all ATP World Tour events since 2015 and renewing the partnership three months earlier.
Craig Tiley, tournament director, Australian Open, said, “Partnering with Infosys is an exciting next step in our ongoing quest to innovate the Australian Open and engage new audiences across the world. We have long understood the importance of using data and insights to improve connections with our fans, players, coaches and the rest of the tennis community and we look forward to working with Infosys to change the way we all experience our great sport in the future.”
Salil Parekh, CEO and managing director, Infosys, said, “This partnership is about creating new ways of experiencing the Australian Open. We’re really excited about the opportunity to showcase how digital technologies can enhance the boundaries of this tournament, to change the way the Australian Open is watched, analysed and played. This association with Tennis Australia also reaffirms our strategic commitment to the region where we partner with some of the leading enterprises in driving their digital transformation agenda.”
Infosys replaces IBM, which had been involved with the tournament since the last 24 years but had called off the partnership in October 2017. While in April this year, IBM had also ended its 33-year association with the second Grand Slam of the year, French Open. It remains to be seen if Infosys comes into the picture once again for winning the Roland Garros rights.
However, IBM continues to remain technology partner of the Wimbledon and US Open championships even after more than 25 years.
