IBM has introduced new features to enhance the digital experience of the Lawn Tennis Club’s Wimbledon tournament using generative AI technology. The AI and data platform Watsonx, developed by IBM, is powering a new Catch Me Up feature for the upcoming 2024 lawn tennis championship. This feature will display AI-generated player stories and analysis through pre- and post-match player cards on Wimbledon.com and the Wimbledon 2024 App.
The Catch Me Up feature was created using IBM’s Granite large language model (LLM) and is designed to provide AI-generated text in the style of Wimbledon’s editorial content. IBM has stated that the model has been trained and is being monitored by the All England Club.
By utilizing generative AI technology, Wimbledon aims to provide a more comprehensive coverage of matches, including wheelchair events. The digital match centre IBM Slamtracker, available on the Wimbledon App and Wimbledon.com, will offer bullet point-based match previews and reviews for ladies’ and gentlemen’s singles matches using generative AI from Watsonx.
Chris Clements, digital products lead at the All England Club, expressed the club’s commitment to offering fans the best possible Wimbledon experience, either in person or digitally. The new Catch Me Up feature is intended to help fans follow key storylines as they unfold throughout The Championships.
A global survey commissioned by IBM found that the majority of tennis fans are in favor of AI technology improving their viewing experience. Real-time updates, personalised content, and unique insights were the top three areas selected by fans in terms of technologies that would enhance their fan experience.
IBM’s senior vice-president of marketing and communications, Jonathan Adashek, highlighted the positive impact of generative AI technology on digital experiences. IBM is making these technologies available to clients across various sectors to address their specific business needs.
The Wimbledon tournament will take place from 1 to 14 July 2024.