Wimbledon To Be Broadcast in 3D in 2011

Have you ever wondered what it would look like to see Janko Tipsarevic’s tattoos up close and personal? Or having an Andy Murray or Novak Djokovic serve coming directly towards you? Put your mind at ease and behold the power of television. 

Now, it’s not just your children’s movies that can be viewed in a three-dimensional universe of wonder, as tennis is now the latest sport to join this magical realm of mystery.

Announced this morning, the men’s semifinals as well as men’s and women’s finals at Wimbledon will be shown in 3-D capable movie theaters across the globe.  The deal was made as a part of the Grand Slam tournament's multi-year partnership with Sony. 

Ian Ritchie, the All England Club chief executive, said, "Wimbledon is renowned for its heritage and sense of tradition. At the same time we are always looking for ways to improve the presentation of the championships by successfully blending that tradition with innovation."

Of all the Grand Slams, Wimbledon has a history that is deeply rooted within innovation and advances in technology. It was in 1967 that David Attenborough, the controller of BBC Two at the time, used the tournament to help launch the color television onto the three-year-old channel. Most recently in 2003, Hawkeye was brought to the championship and was soon followed by HD in 2006. 

Sony, who previously funded the World Cup in 3D, is now working with its cinema distribution partners SuperVision Media.

“Watching tennis in high definition 3D is a stunning experience, bringing the speed of the action and the emotions of the occasion to life; it is as close to the atmosphere and excitement of centre court as actually being there,” said Fujio Nishida, President of Sony Europe.

Wimbledon remains one of the top-tier events of the British sporting calendar, however, it is not the first tennis event to be shown in 3D. Last year, Panasonic broadcast the French Open at Roland Garos live in 3D across Europe.

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