“ChatGPT of Tennis” Acquired by AI Sports Science Company Orreco
On December 15, Melbourne-based sports data analytics company Data Driven Sports Analytics (DDSA) announced it has been acquired by Irish AI sports science company Orreco.
DDSA's LLM (Large Language Model) technology, similar to ChatGPT but specialized for tennis, attracted Orreco's attention, with future potential to expand into basketball and soccer. DDSA has a long-term partnership with current world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
Above: DDSA analysis of Sabalenka vs. Rybakina at the Australian Open
Sabalenka said: "DDSA has been crucial in analyzing opponents, improving my game, and making smarter decisions on court. The merger with Orreco will help athletes prepare to win. This is an exciting advancement for high-level tennis."
The official did not disclose the transaction amount, but according to multiple Irish media reports, to support this strategic acquisition, Orreco completed a $4 million Series A funding round, with prominent American investor and NBA Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban participating.
DDSA uses computer vision technology to automatically extract player and ball tracking data from video, without the need for additional dedicated hardware, then performs 3D reconstruction and visualization through its flagship tool DDSA Trax, helping to intuitively understand player movement, ball trajectory, and tactical patterns, identifying player strengths/weaknesses, opponent patterns, and tactical opportunities.
Above: DDSA interface
DDSA was founded in 2017 by Shane Liyanage, who played tennis from his youth until age 16-17, participating in some tour events. During college, he worked as a tennis coach to supplement his income. Liyanage studied business and law as an undergraduate, later pursued a degree in data science, and earned a master's in sports analytics. He always wanted to apply data to sports.
After graduation, Liyanage worked in government across industries including mining and healthcare, using data to collaborate with professionals and provide insights in prediction or data visualization. Later, he found a job at Cricket Australia, finally entering the sports industry. After several years of experience working with athletes, he decided to become an independent tennis coach and start his entrepreneurial journey.
Above: Shane Liyanage (left) celebrating with Sabalenka (right) after her 2025 US Open win
How does DDSA work with players and provide them with analytical data quickly during matches?
Liyanage once said: "In the early stages of building relationships with players, we do something called 'deep dive into the player'. We analyze their strengths and development opportunities, then work closely with the team, especially the coach, to determine priorities and KPIs for the next three years based on data and their experience with the player.
DDSA's database is comprehensive; we continuously update data for all top 100 players. Even during Grand Slams, we ensure coverage of the top 200 players. After seeing the draw, we also try to collect recent match data, including matches with similar serving styles and player types. We quickly feed analysis back to the coach and generate data reports based on the KPIs we set together, then submit them to the team.
We also analyze other players in the draw in advance. Grand Slams are easier because there is a rest day between matches, but in regular tournaments, we almost have to prepare data for all potential opponents simultaneously."
The acquirer, Orreco, is a sports science company founded in 2010 by sports science expert Dr. Brian Moore and blood science consultant Andy Hodgson. Early on, it used data analytics to monitor athlete health, helping accelerate recovery and extend careers.
Above: Dr. Brian Moore
In 2024, the company began exploring AI technology, launching the AI-powered Motion Signal program, and its first AI tool, Orreco.AI.
Orreco.AI not only provides athletes with comprehensive basic statistics and health data from blood biomarkers, but athletes can also interact with data directly through simple voice commands. The AI retrieves corresponding data and generates intuitive charts and insights based on requests. The training module in the tool customizes training plans based on historical GPS data and can provide post-match injury risk scores.
Above: Orreco.AI interface
Currently, Orreco supports athletes and teams from the Premier League, NBA, NHL, WNBA, WSL, NWSL, PGA Tour, Liga MX, Champions League, and Olympic sports.
| Source: The Irish Times, tennismajors.com, tennisconnected.com, Orreco official website
| Image credit: Brand official website
| Editor: Esther