How does the Australian Open use technology to boost the Fan Experience?

The Australian Open will run between January 18 and February 1 in Melbourne next year. This is one of the most eagerly awaited tennis majors each year, but in recent times, we’ve seen that new technology has been incorporated in various ways. How will it be used to boost the fan experience in 2026?

A New Type of Live-Streaming 

The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) has helped change the way we enjoy many sporting events, with tennis being no exception. One of the most eye-catching ways this happens is with the live, animated streams that Tennis Australia creates for its YouTube channel.

It’s part of the AO Animated project, which uses sensors on the Melbourne Park courts to collect the data that’s needed to create an accurate digital representation of the action that includes crowd noise and umpire calls. As well as being fun to watch, this approach also ensures the organisation doesn’t breach the broadcasting rights deals it’s reached with television companies.

Live-streaming is now used in other types of entertainment to add a new twist by allowing viewers to interact with content creators.  This is one of the key ways that ecommerce is changing, with live-streaming shopping adding an immersive edge. The web casino games listed here include themed and live-streamed casino games that update classics, these include a live-streamed human dealer in a studio setting. Breaking Bad Roulette and Cash Collect Roulette features and images that build on the classic wheel-based action. 

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

The fan zones in Melbourne are used to let players feel closer to the players. A good example can be seen in the interactive area that was present in 2024. It was created as a way for fans to take virtual reality selfies with Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek, as well as the chance to play Nadal in a virtual reality (VR) match. The Infosys Fan Zone in Melbourne Park may give visitors the chance to play against other legends in the 2026 event, or include other innovations.   

With Nadal missing from the tournament last year, the Rafa Forever stand was added as a way for fans to create personalized pieces of art that celebrated the Spanish icon. For fans looking to get a closer look at the games, the Australian Open VR app was available in certain regions, giving users a 360-degree stream and immersive, on-court perspective of Rod Laver Arena.    

Machar Reid, who is the Head of Innovation at Tennis Australia, pointed out before the 2025 event that augmented reality (AR) was set to become a big part of the fan experience. In this way, the official broadcast adds extra details for the player to see on their screen that provide them with additional information. 

All of these innovations help to make the Australian Open a unique fan experience. No matter which player you’re hoping will win, it’s now easy to get a more immersive and memorable way of seeing their games in Australia.