Tiley Navigates Privacy Storm as Australian Open Embraces AI Future
MELBOURNE, 31 January 2026 – Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley has broken his silence on a growing player revolt over privacy at the Australian Open, admitting tournament organisers must walk a “fine line” between promotion and intrusion. The comments come as the tournament unveiled a major new artificial intelligence partnership and confirmed Nick Kyrgios will require a wildcard for a 2026 return.
Player Privacy Takes Centre Court
Following public complaints from top stars including Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek about feeling like “animals in the zoo” due to pervasive broadcast and social media coverage, tournament director Tiley struck a conciliatory tone. “We want to listen to the players, we want to really understand what their needs and what their wants are,” Tiley told media. He acknowledged the balance between showcasing athletes and respecting their off-court space was delicate. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has since publicly supported calls for greater privacy safeguards at tournaments.
Infosys Drives AI-First Australian Open
Amid the controversy, Tennis Australia announced a significant expansion of its partnership with digital services giant Infosys. The collaboration will bring new AI-first experiences and enhanced accessibility features to the 2026 event. “Infosys continues to help us elevate the Australian Open through technology and innovation,” Tiley said. The initiative aligns with Tiley’s reported philosophy of changing “50% of the event year-on-year” to attract returning crowds, a strategy he calls the “festivalisation” of the tournament.
Australian Open 2026: Key Developments
| Topic | Update |
|---|---|
| Player Welfare | Top players, including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, were instructed to remove wearable fitness trackers during matches, sparking debate over data and performance monitoring. |
| Nick Kyrgios | Tiley confirmed the Australian star will need a wildcard entry to compete at Melbourne Park in 2026, with his hopes described as “up in the air”. |
| Stan Wawrinka Farewell | The Swiss veteran was honoured in an on-court ceremony led by Tiley following his final match at the Australian Open last week. |
| Business & Innovation | AO Ventures, Tennis Australia’s venture capital arm, announced its first investments in four early-stage businesses. |
| Future Events | Tickets have gone on sale for the 2026 Australian Open, which will feature an additional day of play. Tiley has also suggested Rafael Nadal will return next year. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Craig Tiley say about player privacy?
Tiley stated organisers must tread a “fine line” and are committed to listening to player concerns after stars like Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek complained about a lack of privacy in player areas.
What is the new Infosys deal for the Australian Open?
Tennis Australia and Infosys have expanded their partnership to introduce new artificial intelligence-driven fan experiences and improve accessibility at the tournament, continuing a focus on technological innovation.
Will Nick Kyrgios play the Australian Open in 2026?
Tournament director Craig Tiley confirmed Kyrgios would require a wildcard to enter, but no decision on granting one has been announced, leaving his participation uncertain.