sports
Wimbledon guests chance their arm against robot mimicking stars’ serves
Tournament’s serving machine can deliver balls in the style of anyone from John McEnroe to Elina Svitolina
TL;DR
- A robotic serving machine at Wimbledon can mimic the speed, angle, and trajectory of serves from top tennis players.
- The machine uses 5G technology to connect with real-time data from Centre Court.
- Visitors have had the opportunity to test their skills against the robot, with Elina Svitolina's serve proving particularly challenging.
- Wimbledon is preparing for a heatwave by increasing shade and shelter for the public.
- New features include a retractable roof on the tea lawn and covered social spaces.
- The venue is focusing on evolving planting to create an English summer garden that can withstand future water scarcity and higher temperatures.
- The head of courts and horticulture is selecting more drought-tolerant and wear-tolerant grasses.
- Adaptations are also being made to address court wear caused by players sliding into shots, such as Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner.