Skip to content

US Open

  • USTA (United States Tennis Association)
  • Graphics Production

Challenge

For over 30 years, SMT has been a trusted partner of the USTA and US Open Tennis Championships, redefining the tennis viewing experience through leading-edge broadcast technologies and real-time data integrations. In 2022 and 2024, SMT’s Creative Studio introduced significant enhancements to the tournament’s graphics package, showcasing real-time analytics, immersive visuals and a modern design tailored for the UHD era.

The US Open is one of tennis’ most iconic tournaments, demanding a broadcast experience that honors its rich legacy while meeting the expectations of modern, data-savvy audiences. The USTA sought a bold refresh of its host broadcast graphics to coincide with its transition to UHD broadcasting. Traditional lower-third graphics often interfered with gameplay visibility and earlier graphics packages lacked the dynamic adaptability and immersive data integration needed to compete with other major sports productions and Grand Slam events.

Solution

In 2022, SMT launched a revamped graphics package for the world feed, replacing a legacy 2015 package with a data-rich, visually distinct presentation. Built in the Brainstorm real-time 3D rendering environment, the new package leveraged SMT’s powerful TVI application to integrate current and historical data instantly into on-screen graphics.

  • 3D Stadium Visualization: SMT introduced a stylized 3D model of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center using Cinema 4D and GPU-accelerated rendering tools like Redshift, the model offered immersive flyover animations that transitioned viewers between the venue’s 30 courts.
  • Visual Identity: The design emphasized bold colors, high contrast and modern layouts optimized for multi-platform clarity. This aesthetic defined a unique identity for the US Open among the Grand Slams.
  • Score Bug Innovation: The redesigned score bug featured expandable stats, allowing broadcasters to showcase live player comparisons and serve statistics without disrupting the action.
  • Creative Flexibility: Full-screen animations, Chyron-based graphic support, and a wide range of state changes in graphic templates gave producers the tools to customize coverage dynamically.

CLICK HERE to watch SMT’s US Open 2022 Highlights reel.

In 2024, SMT returned with further refinements that deepened the broadcast’s analytical capabilities and visual storytelling.

  • Level 3 3D Court Stats: Enhanced statistical overlays brought consistency with Wimbledon-level standards, displaying advanced metrics like serve speeds, aggressive serve locations, aces, and winners—now fully integrated with 3D court visuals.
  • Refreshed ATLAS Animations: Improved transitions and visuals for ATLAS graphics gave broadcast segments a more modern and cohesive feel.
  • World Feed + ESPN Integration: With ESPN utilizing the world feed for all ESPN+ broadcasts, SMT’s graphics reached a global audience. SMT staff operated on-site in the World Feed truck, dynamically serving stats and real-time insights through a Chyron graphics system.
  • In-Venue and On-Screen Cohesion: SMT also managed all in-venue boards, ensuring consistency between what fans saw in the stadium and what viewers experienced at home.

CLICK HERE to watch SMT’s US Open 2024 Highlights reel.

Results

SMT’s updated graphics and data delivery for the US Open have elevated the event’s broadcast and in-venue presence, differentiating it from the other Grand Slams. The enhanced visuals not only support better storytelling but also deepen fan understanding of match dynamics. With the 2024 enhancements, SMT ensured consistent production quality across all courts and platforms—delivering a unified, state-of-the-art tennis viewing experience.

By merging deep tennis expertise, creative design and real-time data engineering, SMT continues to set the standard for broadcast graphics at the US Open. By building a bold, dynamic, and data-driven visual identity, SMT not only supports the storytelling of every match but also helps elevate the US Open’s position in the global tennis landscape.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“We hadn’t updated our graphics package in a long time. SMT designed a really modern look for our new UHD graphic package for the world feed. It’s clean, bright, and modern and puts us one step ahead on that front, as we move towards more UHD coverage.”

Patti Fallick

USTA MANAGING DIRECTOR, BROADCAST