Rafael Nadal expands endorsement portfolio and hints at post-playing direction

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Rafael Nadal press conference

Rafael Nadal has signed a new endorsement deal but the partnership with Infosys is set to go beyond the purely commercial.

The machine-learning experts are set to assist Nadal’s coaching team with the development of new match analysis tools.

Nadal runs his own tennis academy and it looks like he might have an interest in overseeing some exciting projects for the future of tennis.

“I’m very happy to work closely with Infosys, as they work to not only evolve the experience of tennis to the times, but also empower people in our communities to be part of a brighter future,” Nadal said.

“I love the way Infosys has brought its digital expertise across industries to the global tennis ecosystem. It has transformed the tennis experience for a billion global fans and truly empowered all players on the tour with analytics that they could have only dreamt of a few years ago. Also, the impact that Infosys is making beyond the court – creating the next opportunity for people, businesses, and communities – deeply inspires me. I believe it’s our shared aspiration to create societal good that makes our handshake truly meaningful.”

Infosys believe that Nadal is “a perfect embodiment of what it takes individuals or business leaders to evolve and continually navigate their next.”

“It is an honour to welcome Rafa – one of the world’s most respected champion athletes and humanitarians – as an ambassador for Infosys,” said Salil Parekh, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Infosys.

“He is someone who personifies the spirit of always evolving, never giving up, utmost dedication and determination to give the very best in every situation. We are inspired by his approach, and it reflects our own aspirations to continuously evolve and always remain relevant for our clients.”

Infosys have set out to take tennis and society to another level with their partnerships.

Their public announcement read: “As the digital innovation partner for the ATP Tour, Roland-Garros, Australian Open, and The International Tennis Hall of Fame, brand Infosys has helped reimagine the tennis ecosystem for a billion fans globally leveraging AI, cloud, data analytics and digital experiences.

“Infosys has pioneered video and stats analysis platforms for players and coaches to revolutionize training, bolstered match analysis with AI-assisted journalism platforms for broadcasters to post engaging content and introduced new ways for fans to engage with the game. Other innovations, from Infosys, for the tennis ecosystem include explorations in the digital universe including mixed reality, social VR and 3D art museums to expand the history, and heritage of tennis to fans globally. Most recently, Infosys launched the Carbon Tracker, allowing ATP players to track and offset emissions from their travel on tour. It is a first of its kind sustainable tech in any sport.

“In addition, Infosys’ partnerships with tennis have also extended to serve communities around the world, a good example being STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, made engaging through the lens of tennis, to enable young children to develop a deeper appreciation for STEM studies together with Tennis Australia.”

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