In a bid to avoid broadcasting rights issues, the Australian Open has launched a live stream featuring cartoon versions of the players.
As Channel 9, the official free-to-air broadcast partner of the Australian Open, has the final say on which games are aired, additional matches are only accessible with a $27-a-month Stan Sport subscription. As a result, viewers are turning to the Australian Open's YouTube account to find live streams of other matches.
These live streams, designed to navigate broadcasting rights restrictions, feature AI-generated avatars resembling Wii Sports characters, capturing the players' unique movements in real-time.
Despite a few glitches, including some inaccurate hair and skin colour depictions, the online response has been largely positive.
A clip posted by the Morning Brew on X, showing a cartoon version of Daniil Medvedev smashing his racquet during his match against Kasidit Samrej on Tuesday, received comments like 'This is better' and 'Actually, really entertaining.'
The NFL saw great success in their Nickelodeon-themed broadcast of the Superbowl last year, complete with live Spongebob Squarepants and Patrick commentary. This led to a Simpsons-themed version of another game this season on Disney+, with the regular commentators transforming into their own versions of the iconic yellow characters.
The NHL and NBA followed suit, with Bugs Bunny and his friends hitting the hockey rink, while iconic Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck joined the NBA Christmas Day broadcast.