Wimbledon organizers, in collaboration with IBM, have integrated new AI-based features into the official website and app, which are set to make the 2025 championship the most technologically advanced in its history, TechRadar reports.
The main innovation is Match Chat, an interactive chatbot that answers questions about matches in near real time. Built on IBM Granite language models and the watsonx Orchestrate platform, the tool allows users to ask their own questions or choose from prepared options - for example, "Who has the best percentage of winning sets?" or "How many aces did a player serve?".
The chatbot is trained in Wimbledon style and specific terminology. It is able to provide accurate answers, focusing exclusively on the course of the matches. Other topics, in particular about club infrastructure or catering, are not supported.
The Likelihood to Win feature, which first appeared in 2024, has also been improved. This year, it uses AI to dynamically update the probability of winning not only during a set, but also within an individual game. The calculations are based on statistics, player form data, expert opinions and the pace of the game.
IBM has been a technology partner of the All England Lawn Tennis Club for 36 years. Other digital innovations in recent years include automated commentary, introduced in 2023, and the Catch Me Up service, which provides quick player analysis, introduced last year. Wimbledon will also be replacing linesmen in 2024 in favor of technology.
As for Wimbledon 2025, the tournament will run from June 30 to July 13. The updated app is now available on Android, iOS and via the official website.