Video replays to challenge calls made by officials will be used at the upcoming Next Gen finals in Milan for the first time in the history of professional tennis.
The new initiative grants players the opportunity to question decisions made by officials with a replay to decide if the decision is upheld or not. Unlike the Hawk-eye system, players will have an unlimited amount of chances to request a replay at the Milan tournament. A season-ending round robin event that features the best players in the world under the age of 21.
“Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at the Next Gen ATP Finals, and we’re looking towards the future in all aspects of this tournament.” ATP President Chris Kermode said in a statement.
“Adding Video Review will give players a new tool that will further enhance the officiating in our sport. The Next Gen ATP Finals continue to position the ATP at the forefront of innovation in tennis as we also look to deliver on our mission to provide a global stage for the future stars of the ATP World Tour.”
With the use of video replays, it will prevent any argument over judgement calls made during the matches. Including Not-Ups (when the ball bounces twice), Foul Shots and Touches (e.g. a player brushing the net with their racket). The system will be delivered by what the ATP describes as an ‘advanced hawk-eye technology.’
“When you see an obvious (double bounce) that wasn’t called, and television is showing a replay from all angles, and it’s obvious, it doesn’t do anybody any good to say, ‘If we have the technology, why don’t we use it?’” Gayle David Bradshaw, ATP Executive Vice President for Rules and Competition, told The Associated Press. “It’s not taking away the human element. It’s adding a new level to it.”
The Next Gen finals, which was introduced to the tour in 2017, is commonly used as a testing ground for new ideas. This year at the tournament a towel rail will be installed on the back of the court to stop the ball kids constantly handling them. Shot clocks, player coaching via headset and a no-let rule is also used at the event.
There are signs that Video replays could be rolled out further on the men’s tour in the future. Emulating football and their VAR system. VAR is an assistant referee who reviews the decisions made by the head referee with the help of video replays and then feeds back their findings.
“Future use of Video Review could include decisions on whether to award the point or replay the point in the case of a corrected out to good call by an official. In Milan, however, such instances will not arise as all calls made by Hawk-Eye Live are final.” The ATP outlined in their press release.
The ATP Next Gen Finals will get underway on November 5th.
