Artificial Intelligence Serves Up Growth in Global Tennis: Merging Intelligent Automation with Sporting Excellence
As intelligent automation reshapes industries worldwide, tennis is volleying into the future—both on the court and in the stands. From AI-powered training analytics to automated fan engagement tools, the sport is leveraging technology to transform how players compete and spectators connect. While industrial automation may seem synonymous with factory floors, tennis is proving that intelligent automation—through data-driven insights and AI tools—can unlock unprecedented commercial growth and sporting performance. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), for instance, is already serving up a masterclass in how AI can elevate both the game and its global appeal.
Tennis, a billion-pound global industry, is turning to AI to tap into untapped commercial potential. Wimbledon’s 2024 turnover of over £400 million showcases the sport’s financial might, but intelligent automation is key to expanding its reach. “AI has a huge part to play in growing tennis,” says Judy Murray, noting that young fans crave “bite-size” digital content—highlight reels, behind-the-scenes footage, and personalised insights.
Off-Court Innovation: Intelligent Automation in Fan Engagement
To engage today’s tech-savvy fans, the tennis industry is deploying intelligent automation tools that mirror the efficiency of industrial automation systems. IBM, in its 36th year as AELTC’s tech partner, recently unveiled two AI-driven features for Wimbledon:
- Match Chat: An interactive AI assistant using Watsonx’s generative AI and large language models, trained on tennis jargon, to provide live-match analysis.
- Likelihood to Win Tool: An enhanced predictor offering real-time win probabilities.
These tools address a key challenge: 70% of sports fans use social media during events, and 66% of consumption comes from just 20% of fans. AELTC’s response? Generating 5,200+ content pieces in 2024, driving 1.6 billion video views and 13 billion global engagements—proof that intelligent automation can scale fan interaction like automation equipment scales production.
On-Court Excellence: AI as the Ultimate Training Partner
On the court, intelligent automation is revolutionizing player preparation. Gone are the days of pen-and-paper scouting; today’s top players have data experts alongside coaches, using AI to:
- Analyze technique via slow-motion video
- Craft match strategies against opponents
- Optimize training plans based on real-time data
Judy Murray recalls filming opponents with a camera in her early coaching days—now, “one click” delivers instant analytics via iPads in player boxes. This mirrors how industrial automation equipment provides real-time diagnostics, but here, fine-tuning a player’s forehand or serve placement.
The Double Fault of Inaction: Why AI Matters for Tennis’ Future
The alternative to embracing intelligent automation is clear: falling behind in a digital-first world. AELTC estimates three billion people know the Wimbledon brand, but engaging them requires showing up “where people spend their time”—social media, mobile apps, and interactive platforms. AI isn’t just a tool here; it’s the referee ensuring tennis stays relevant.
Conclusion: A Grand Slam for Intelligent Automation in Sports
The tennis industry’s adoption of intelligent automation marks a pivotal shift: Technology is no longer a sidelines accessory but a core component of the game’s growth strategy. From AELTC’s AI-powered fan engagement to players’ data-driven training regimens, intelligent automation is serving up solutions that blend sporting tradition with cutting-edge innovation.
As the sport continues to rally toward a more tech-savvy future, the lesson is clear: Whether on the court or in the stands, intelligent automation has the power to transform not just how tennis is played and watched, but how it thrives in the digital age. By embracing AI, tennis isn’t just keeping up with technological advances—it’s setting the pace for how intelligent automation can elevate an entire industry, proving that in the game of global sports, AI is the ultimate ace. This fusion of technology and athletics doesn’t just enhance the sport—it ensures tennis remains a champion in the era of intelligent automation.
