MELBOURNE, February 18, 2021 (AO Press Release)

Fans from around the world will be able to see instantly if a player breaks an Australian Open or personal record thanks to a statistical innovation from the Game Insight Group (GIG).

Established in 2018 by Tennis Australia and Victoria University, GIG continues to introduce new ways to dissect the game through the AO broadcast. At AO 2021, fans will be able to see instantly when a player sets a new personal best or breaks an AO tournament record.

“One of our aims with GIG is to help the fan make a deeper connection with their heroes on the screen and this new broadcast innovation does just that,” Tennis Australia Head of Innovation Dr Machar Reid said.

“We’ve witnessed some epic matches and shots this Australian Open but we don’t always celebrate those moments for how remarkable or unique they are. Players are constantly trying to get better or add a few percent to their games but sometimes we miss it.

“Serena Williams has one of the best serves in the world but has she returned to her 20^th AO hitting it bigger than ever before?”

“Well according to the tracking data that we’ve analysed, she smashed not just her record but the tournament record with a massive 203km/h serve in the third set of her fourth round match.”

World No.1 Novak Djokovic has also made his mark this AO setting personal records for fastest serve and forehand.

The team has analysed years’ worth of shot and tracking data to set the record straight on who is the AO’s top player across the following categories: