Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
The Madrid Open witnessed an unusual commencement to Novak Djokovic’s initial game as a bipedal robot strolled onto the main arena while the athletes were ready to emerge. The tournament previously employed a robotic canine to carry tennis balls to the court. But for 2025, they elevated the concept.
Robotic Surprise at the Madrid Open
Ball attendants created a pathway at the entrance of Manolo Santana Stadium as the two-legged robot entered the court, providing balls for the match and then moving about while waving to the spectators. After its departure, Djokovic and his rival, Matteo Arnaldi, finally appeared for their match.
Djokovic’s Return to Madrid
Djokovic is participating in the Madrid Open for the second occasion since 2019. The Serbian player has significantly curtailed his schedule in recent seasons, with his most recent presence at the competition being a semi-final showing in 2022.
However, he was prepared to initiate his campaign against the young Italian Arnaldi in the third daytime match on Manolo Santana on Saturday, although both players had to anticipate a peculiar pre-match ceremony.
Previous Robotic Innovations
In 2022, the Madrid Open unveiled a ‘smart robot dog’ on the tournament grounds, developed through a collaboration with Prosegur, a security firm based in the Spanish metropolis.
Named Yellow, the canine was designed to monitor the grounds independently and under the guidance of the Prosegur crew and could notify them of potential dangers on the site.
The robo-dog was designed to ascend stairs and adjust to any surface. Last year, event organizers proudly showcased Yellow to the fans as the bot delivered tennis balls onto the court before a game.
From Robo-Dog to Humanoid Robot
The tournament opted to organize a related spectacle before Djokovic’s match on Saturday, although they have now transformed Yellow the robo-dog into a fully operational humanoid robot.
Cameras shifted to the Manolo Santana Stadium, where the humanoid walked past a line of ballkids to reach the emcee, stepping over a tennis ball.
Commentators’ Reactions
Broadcasters were puzzled by the new bot. “It’s robodog, back again! He’s on two legs, what’s going on here?” one commentator exclaimed.
Another replied: “Oh my goodness. Yes, because it was the dog version last year, wasn’t it?”
Recalling the prior year’s robot appearance, the commentator continued: “On all fours last year delivering the can of balls to the matches. This is a new take.”
The Robot’s Performance
The robot began walking around and waving to the fans before finally exiting the court.
“Slightly unsettling as well. I’m sure I’ve seen a few movies where things shaped like that take over the world. Got a bit of personality as well! Dances like you,” one commentator responded.
Djokovic’s On-Court Performance
The cameras switched back to the hallways inside the Caja Magica, where Djokovic and his coach exchanged their final words prior to the match.
As Djokovic and Arnaldi waited in the passageway, a commentator explained: “We are though, I can tell you, waiting for the man at times who has been pretty robotic on the tennis court. Novak Djokovic. Looked like a machine at times. He’ll be out here shortly.”
Early Match Dynamics
- Following the brief robot introduction, the players emerged, also passing through the line of ball boys and girls.
- Djokovic might have been distracted by the machine – he faced a break in his initial service game.
- However, he swiftly recovered and broke back immediately.