SMT Serves Up Tech for Australian Open, Tennis Australia for 33rd Year

The Australian Open once again relied on SMT (SportsMEDIA Technology) for a wide range technology services at both the Open, which concludes Sunday, and the warm-up tournaments across Australia. “Each year, SMT continues to bring innovative technology to the Australian Open, enhancing the level of play, and, in turn, fan engagement,” says Josh Lee, Head of Broadcast & Media Operations, Tennis Australia.

This year marks the 33rd year that SMT has worked with Tennis Australia and Lee says SMT continues to build on its 33-year history of providing services to Tennis Australia, not only to the Australian Open, but also to the lead-up events including United Cup, Brisbane International, Hobart International and Adelaide International, with groundbreaking statistical integration, tournament management platforms and on-site scoring services.

“As we celebrate our 33rd year at the Australian Open, we are thrilled to bring our innovative, custom technology solutions to captivate audiences and provide unmatched insights for players, media and coaches,” says Stephen Kemper, senior business development manager, SMT. “SMT’s long-standing partnership with the Australian Open underscores our commitment to pushing the technology boundaries while collecting and delivering the core data framework of one of the world’s premier tennis tournaments.”

Among the key offerings are:

Draw Party Presentation: SMT’s randomized draw creation system builds suspense at the live-streamed draw party, signifying the tournament’s official kick-off.

Core Scoring Services: SMT’s scoring system is the backbone of the Australian Open, providing the most secure, accurate and proven system for collecting and distributing live data across various platforms including broadcast partners, internet and intranet, CCTV, electronic displays and match information screens. SMT provides staff for network installation and management of every system from software development to player database to match scheduling. Over the three-week tournament, SMT will collect and store over 2 million unique data messages.

SMT has worked closely with the Australian Open for 33 years, providing a wide range of data and other services.

Chair Umpire Scoring Tablet: SMT is providing its latest Chair Umpire System, utilizing the application for bidirectional communication and advanced scoring capabilities. Thirty tablets are provided, ensuring accurate and efficient scoring for every match on every court.

AUS Open Vision (IPTV): SMT’s IPTV solution offers a browser-based application, providing a multi-stream experience with real-time scores, match stats, draws, schedule, player analytics, tournament and player historical data and player bio information.

Referee Services: SMT supports the Referee and Tournament Control with a comprehensive system, including event setup, daily schedule generation, draw creation, and player schedule website administration. A dedicated staff is on hand to provide training and support throughout the tournament.

Detailed Stats: SMT collaborates with Tennis Australia to provide trained statisticians capturing detailed statistics in real-time. The latest tennis statistics program records various aspects of player performance, offering insights into forehands, backhands, winners, and more.

Serve Clock Service: SMT’s Serve Clock service enhances the viewer experience on all match courts, displaying serve countdown and other timing graphics that help keep players and fans informed. SMT offers both integrated clocks into the custom scoreboard content and standalone clock content that is synchronized across multiple platforms.

Serve Speed System: Expanding its serve speed systems to cover all 16 courts, SMT captures serve speed, direction and player position strategy, providing reliable and accurate data for analysis.

Data Feed Interfaces: SMT manages, supports and delivers a series of data feeds, including scheduling feeds, live scores, chair umpire and point-by-point messaging for over 20 broadcaster, web, gaming/betting and player development recipients.

Player Protected Website: SMT ensures players have access to schedule information through a dedicated and secure portal within www.ausopen.com.

Press Room Administration: SMT provides printed reports and administrative support in the Australian Open Media Centre, ensuring journalists have access to match results, statistics, and schedules.

Match Information System (MIS): SMT’s custom software supports the Match Information System, providing real-time information on players’ check-ins, court assignments, and match status across the tournament.

Automated Match Analysis Video Content: SMT’s match analysis solution integrates live video indexed and timestamped with statistical information, enabling all players, media and coaches to review critical points after each match is completed.

LED Scoreboard Content: SMT’s SportsCG powers dynamic LED scoreboard content, ensuring an engaging experience with real-time tournament and match information for onsite spectators.

Info Tower Content: SMT enhances the fan experience with relevant and informative tournament content displayed on Melbourne Park’s information towers.

ESPN Data Feed: SMT provides multiple network connections and custom software to provide live scoring and statistical data to ESPN databases to drive graphics to ESPN headquarters in the U.S.