IT major Infosys and French Tennis Federation (Federation Francaise de Tennis, FFT) have devised new technologies that will digitize the Roland-Garros experience for the entire tennis ecosystem. It is proclaimed that these new technologies will help bring remote fans and the game together.

Grand Slam, which is the most prestigious tournaments in tennis, which were paused last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, like most outdoor games, will give a complete digital experience for its fans at the comfort of their home.

The tournament will be navigated by fans, coaches, players, broadcasters, journalists and organizers in creative ways utilizing a set of new immersive and intelligent tools.

The technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 3D and cloud solutions will completely give a new look to this year’s Roland-Garros game by transforming it from match viewing, player training, tournament reporting to broadcast editing.

Another exciting factor to look forward to is that there will be a new museum launched, which is a first-of-its kind digital platform that will embrace the game’s spirit and heritage. Audience can virtually take a look around, interact with iconic official posters and artwork from 41 years ago and will hear a detailed commentary on every piece as though they were coming from an actual person.

In the words of Amelie Oudea-Castera, CEO, French Tennis Federation, “this is our second year impacted by the challenges of the pandemic and social distancing, but partnering with Infosys we have set a gold standard for other sporting organizations navigating a disrupted season, and looking to bridge the gap between players, coaches and fans across the world. The innovations we have created are leading the way in establishing a long-term immersive and digital standard for sporting tournaments”.

These technologies are believed to deliver new possibilities and experience for various audiences, players and fans including.

3D-Art Museum
A ground-breaking immersive experience that will present Roland-Garros culture and legacy to audiences all over the world. The atmosphere of the tournament will be brought to life through a virtual visit to the museum.

AI-based Player Training and Natural Language Generation
Infosys AI Videos have been upgraded with new cognitive capabilities such as natural language search, building on AI-powered match analysis. Players can query the AI tool in English to examine their performance, which will return insights to help them make better-informed training and match strategy selections. The official Participants Portal's Infosys AI has grown to analyze positive aspects of performance as well as areas to concentrate on, while also providing quick summaries for players seconds after the match. The tool globally allows players and coaches to collaborate remotely to increase communication and analysis, resulting in better-informed training decisions and performance improvement.

Virtually Reimagining the Fan Experience
The tournament's genuine sights and sounds have been combined with Infosys' data and analytics capabilities, allowing fans to watch and evaluate the game. The Infosys Match Centre is available in an immersive 3D version with data-driven courtside views, while the Roland-Garros app's Match Centre offers a mobile-first data visualization experience. Audiences will be able to access match schedules, live radio broadcasts, event podcasts, and a roundup of the day's activities through the app, which will be powered by AI-based voice assistants.

Enabling Richer Storytelling
Reporting and broadcasting highlights have been redesigned for a future where media consumption is primarily digital. Official broadcasters can use Infosys' AI Highlights solution. Richer analysis and identification of key, shareable moments like post-match player camaraderie and signatures on camera are included in the solution, as well as dynamically resizing videos with AI to produce ready-to-publish clips for various new-age social platforms that require specific aspect ratios.

“As the official Digital Innovation Partner for Roland-Garros, we have innovated to ensure the digital experiences we create are truly human experiences. This year, we are proud to have leveraged digital technologies in ways that truly immerse remote audiences into the full tournament experience. Through AI and 3D technologies we now have the potential to revolutionize the ways in which coaches and players train, and can ensure that fans, players, and coaches remain as close to the game as possible. We continue to find breakthroughs as we evolve the role of data, AI and digital in sport, and I look forward to what the future holds”, added Pravin Rao, Chief Operating Officer, Infosys.

For Android and iOS devices, the Official Roland-Garros App can be downloaded from the respective app stores. Accredited media will have access to AI-powered match reporting tools and journalist insights at Roland-Garros 2021. The event will take place from May 24th through June 13th, 2021.