In a groundbreaking move for sports broadcasting, the 2025 Australian Open is offering a unique viewing experience by bypassing traditional match broadcasts. While exclusive rights to air the tournament remain with TV channels and streaming services, the Open is allowing fans to watch matches for free on YouTube — but with a twist. Instead of conventional footage, viewers are treated to 3D avatars resembling characters from the iconic Wii Sports Tennis game, providing an immersive yet stylized take on the action. The avatars offer a more gamified and creative perspective on the game, offering something different from the usual live action.
How Does It Work? This virtual transformation is made possible through cutting-edge technology. The players’ movements are captured by 12 cameras strategically positioned around the court. These cameras track the players’ motions from 29 distinct points on their bodies, and the data is then used to generate a 3D avatar. While the movements are relatively accurate, there’s a slight delay of about two minutes, and the fidelity of the motion tracking isn’t yet flawless.
To enhance the experience, AI algorithms are employed to synchronize fan noise, commentary, replays, and other key elements of the broadcast. The result? A hybrid viewing experience that blends sports and video game aesthetics, offering a fresh and exciting way for fans to engage with the tournament.
Tennis Australia’s Director of Innovation, Machar Reid, explained that the project is designed to make tennis more accessible while introducing a new, dynamic way to experience live sports. While still a work in progress, the concept has already captured the imagination of both traditional tennis fans and tech-savvy viewers looking for something beyond the standard broadcast. YouTube game sample linked here (*Starting at minute 35*)