The French Open are ‘open’ to the idea of using electronic line calling in the future but still has concerns about its accuracy on clay.
Calls for the system to be implemented reignited on Sunday evening following a decision made during a crucial second-set tiebreaker between João Fonseca and Casper Ruud. Ruud was leading 8-7 when his opponent hit a forehand down the line that the lines judge called in, but a member of the crowd called out. Due to the confusion, the umpire checked the match and concluded that the ball had contacted the line.
Controversy unfolded when television broadcasts claimed the ball to be out based on the electronic line-calling system they use. The decision came at a critical point in the match, with Fonseca then going on to win three points to seal a two-set-to-love lead. The Brazilian went on to win 7-5, 7-6 (10-8), 5-7, 6-2 and reach his first major quarter-final.
“There was a set point in the second, or two. The forehand shot was very close, it could have been in or out,” Ruud said afterwards.
“Obviously, it was called in. So if I had won that set, perhaps the score would have been two to one instead of two to one against. Instead of zero to two, it would have been one to one. So, obviously, it’s a pity in my situation.”
It will never be known if the match outcome would have been different if Ruud had won that point. However, the incident has raised questions about why Roland Garros doesn’t use a system to minimise the threat of human error when calling points.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, tournament director Amélie Mauresmo reiterated the Grand Slam’s concerns about the accuracy of line-calling systems on clay. Their primary concern is that the red dust layer on the clay courts affects the accuracy and reliability of such technology because it is a ‘live’ surface which moves during the match. There is also the debate about keeping the tradition of line judges.
“We remain open to all developments,” Mauresmo insisted.
“But what we observed in the tournaments leading up to Roland Garros is that the system’s reliability on clay courts is not yet complete. Under these circumstances, we have chosen to continue relying on human officiating. This does not mean the debate is over, but for now we believe this is the best solution.”
On both the ATP and WTA Tour, electronic line calling is used at their premier clay tournaments, such as Madrid and Rome.
