India, Jan. 16 -- During the twelfth game of the second set against Learner Tien on Thursday, Daniil Medvedev made an impressive effort to retrieve a forehand, dashing across the baseline. He appeared to hang in mid-air, momentarily without his racquet, as the scene paused for several seconds. This represented the animated portrayal of Medvedev, while the actual player quickly regained his composure.

For those seeking further clarification, the official YouTube channel of the Australian Open provides additional insights.

The channel includes a 'live' section for matches on select courts during the current season-opening Grand Slam in Melbourne. However, the players are depicted as animated figures superimposed on a real-time broadcast. Most elements closely resemble the actual event, including the players' attire, skin tones, accessories, serving techniques, playing styles, as well as live scoring and graphics.

One might wonder why anyone would choose to watch an animated representation of live sports, which are readily available on television or mobile devices. For individuals without a paid subscription to the host broadcasters, this serves as a viable alternative to stay informed about the on-court action. Additionally, the Australian Open aims to engage a younger audience that is captivated by the world of gaming.

"The remarkable aspect is that it captures the players' genuine movements and the true trajectory of the ball," stated Machar Reid, Tennis Australia's director of innovation, in an interview with The Associated Press. "We are merging reality with animation."

However, not every detail aligns seamlessly. In the animated version, the tennis balls appear significantly larger, and the racquets are disproportionately oversized, occasionally drifting away from the players' grips. The tempo of rallies and ball striking is noticeably slower. Without being overly critical, certain characteristics of some players do not accurately reflect their real-life counterparts.

As one astute viewer noted during the Medvedev-Tien match, "Medvedev finally has a beard here."

Medvedev, notably, has played a significant role in the viral success of this innovation on social media.

Read Also: Daniil Medvedev's Australian Open Heartbreak: Another Final Slip

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