On Sunday, Maria Sharapova withdrew from the U.S. Open. Her fellow WTA players will not see her on the court for the next two weeks.
Fans will.
At this year's U.S. Open, the American Express Fan Experience will feature a "You vs. Sharapova" virtual reality. Fans rally with Sharapova and attempt to return her 100 mph serve.
HTC Vive technology created this interactive feature with a mobile virtual reality rather than just sitting or standing. The virtual world moves with the person.
HTC Vive is the first consumer-oriented VR device scheduled to go on the market, as highlighted in a recent Time cover story. The American Express Fan Experience version includes full body scanning and CGI (computer generated imagery) to create the reality with Sharapova.
The "You vs. Sharapova" project was shot by Reel FX's VR division. Reel FX used both a green screen and a 3D Full Body "Light-State Scan" to convert Sharapova's personal mannerisms and swing motion.
ThePostGame got a chance to test out the product and embarrass ourselves with it:
The virtual reality's setting is a U.S. Open practice court, and it is available for use at the American Express Fan Experience in Flushing Meadows.
Here is an inside look at the making of "You vs. Sharapova" and Sharapova's perspective on the project:
-- Follow Jeffrey Eisenband on Twitter @JeffEisenband.
