Infosys and the Australian Open bring immersive, accessible tennis to life through governed AI

The Australian Open has long been known for pushing the boundaries of fan experience, but at the 2026 tournament, that innovation has taken a meaningful step forward in accessibility.

Through an eight-year collaboration with Infosys, Tennis Australia has introduced Infosys Topaz Fabric – an enterprise AI platform designed to deliver human-centred technology at scale. This year’s deployment demonstrates how governed AI can move beyond entertainment and into genuine inclusion.

At the heart of this evolution is MatchFeel, an AI-powered accessibility tool built specifically for blind and visually impaired spectators. Rather than relying solely on audio descriptions, MatchFeel translates live tennis match data into a tactile, sensory experience that allows users to physically feel the flow of the game.

Using Infosys Topaz Fabric, the system processes real-time match feeds and converts ball trajectory data into physical outputs. A magnetic ring moves across an engraved miniature court model, tracking the ball’s position as rallies unfold. Haptic vibrations communicate speed and direction, synchronised with audio commentary to create a multi-layered understanding of play.

The result is an immersive experience that turns tennis into something that can be followed through touch as well as sound – a shift that opens the sport to audiences who have historically been excluded from the full live experience.

MatchFeel has been piloted with selected users at the 2026 Australian Open, offering a clear example of how AI, when designed with people at the centre, can democratise access rather than widen gaps.

This collaboration shows what is possible when enterprise technology is applied with purpose: not just making sport smarter, but making it fairer, more inclusive, and more human.