IBM Unveils Serve Quality Feature at U.S. Open Using Advanced Limb Tracking Technology

IBM has introduced an innovative serve quality feature at the U.S. Open tennis tournament, using advanced camera technology to track over 20 anatomical points on players. The feature is available within the U.S. Open app and assigns a score based on critical movements involving the knees, wrists, and elbows. According to IBM, this marks the first time limb tracking has been used in Grand Slam tennis tournaments.

The serve quality score is generated by WatsonX, which analyzes data from 12 strategically positioned cameras around Arthur Ashe Stadium. The cameras work in tandem with Hawk-Eye technology to facilitate automatic line-calling. Tyler Sidell, IBM's Technology Program Director for Sports & Entertainment Partnerships, explained that the limb tracking initiative was catalyzed by the introduction of Hawk-Eye's SkeleTRACK product at the 2024 Laver Cup.

The serve quality score is publicly available for all singles matches post-completion and provides fans with a unique perspective on player performance. IBM has released a video explaining how the feature operates, which can be viewed online. Sidell noted that future iterations may include racket insights and that the potential for limb-tracking technology extends beyond tennis.