Melbourne VIC, Australia, 3 January 2015 | ausopen.com

Whether watching courtside or at home, tennis fans can get closer to the action at Australian Open 2015 via a variety of digital initiatives including the official tournament website, which launched today.

ausopen.com, produced with Australian Open technology partner IBM, drew over 17 million unique visitors in 2014 and will again be the most up-to-date source for all Australian Open information including first access to live scores, draws, player profiles and scheduling information.

The website and official Australian Open YouTube channel will return more videos than ever before, serving up free, live action from all 17 match courts at Melbourne Park (territorial restrictions apply). On top of live coverage, there will be highlights of every televised match, day and night session round-ups and player interviews.

The popular IBM SlamtrackerTM returns using IBM predictive analytics with data points sourced from years of Grand Slam tennis to highlight what each player must do to secure victory.

Also on the website is an extensive history section with draw archives and Australian Open records dating back to 1905. The site also houses highly trafficked content including draws, scheduling, photo galleries, a new player profile section and event guide information.

Hang out at the Social Shack in Garden Square at Melbourne Park where fans can support (and see) their favourite players in a whole new way. There will be interviews, special appearances and, as the heart of social media at the tournament, it is the place to find #AOselfies in the AO mosaic.

Fans can also enjoy the #ausopen vending machines that dispense free gifts, and can pick up souvenir Instagram prints.

The official iPhone App, which will be available from 12 January, features:

  • Instant news, photos and videos
  • LIVE point-by-point scoring updates and match results
  • On-demand video highlights, features, player interviews and exclusive behind-the-scenes action
  • Player notifications
  • Exclusive photographs from on and off court
  • Ball-by ball coverage from leading international tennis broadcasters on AO Radio
  • Crowd Tracker by IBM – find out where crowds are gathering on site and get social stats from specific courts

The official iPad app, also available from 12 January, allows fans to:

  • See live streaming, highlights, interviews and exclusive behind-the-scenes action (restrictions apply)
  • Take control and watch multi-angle instant replays of high profile matches
  • Follow their favourite players for up-to-the minute alerts, results, news, videos and photos
  • Support favourite players on social media directly from their player profile and send #ausopen tweets direct from the app
  • Follow players trending on Twitter in the Player Buzz

AO Radio is back across web and mobile platforms, providing live ball-by-ball coverage with a team of leading international tennis broadcasters.

The stream is also available on 99.7 FM around Melbourne, as well as on the popular live music streaming platforms, TUNEIN and AUDIOBOO.