Dominic Thiem Adds His Voice to Back Hawk-Eye Technology at French Open 2020
Follow Us
The French Open is the only major that doesn’t endorse Hawk-Eye in tennis. The organizers stand firm with their decision to avoid the technology which tracks the line of the ball, making it easy for the players as well as the umpires. There are several voices in favor of introducing Hawk-Eye at Roland Garros, and Dominic Thiem is one of them.
Ever since its introduction in 2006, Hawk-Eye has proved to be beneficial on countless occasions. It helps in spotting the trajectory of the ball through computerized cameras that render a 3D replay of a call.
However, it stands as an exception in clay courts. One generally can spot where the ball pitched after receiving or conceding a point on these surfaces. Even though ball marks are visible, the chair umpires tend to get it wrong a few times.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Denis Shapovalov’s third-round match is the most recent example. The Canadian dramatically exited the tournament in a five-setter against Roberto Carballes Baena. Two wrong calls from the chair umpire infuriated Shapovalov. The 21-year-old even posted a tweet urging the organizers to make use of Hawk-Eye.
When will we have Hawkeye on clay? @atptour @rolandgarros pic.twitter.com/neTqwglkbD
— Denis Shapovalov (@denis_shapo) October 1, 2020
Dominic Thiem calls for a change at Roland Garros and offers 100% support for Hawk-Eye
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Over the years, we’ve seen the French Open going ahead without implementing Hawk-Eye to support the players’ claims. It is not always easy to predict where the ball landed as the marks sometimes tend to fade away.
“I would support 100% Hawk-Eye on clay, because at the match from Denis against Roberto yesterday there was a mistake, and then today in my match there was a mistake in my favor actually,” Thiem said. His opponent Casper Rudd had evidence on his phone from their third-round clash which proved the case.
Trending
Roger Federer Breaks Partnership With Billion Dollar Worth Italian Brand Days After Coco Gauff’s Stunning Commercial Appearance
April 12, 2024 07:23 PM EDT
Tennis News: Rafael Nadal Confirms Retirement ; Doping-Banned Mikael Ymer Announces Comeback; Stefanos Tsitsipas Dubbed as Hypocrite
April 15, 2024 06:22 PM EDT
Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Girlfriend Paula Badosa Provides Saddening Health Update After Being Forced To Retire Against Aryna Sabalenka
April 19, 2024 03:58 AM EDT
ATP Munich 2024: Bizarre Interruption in Holger Rune’s Match Leaves Tennis Umpire Completely Baffled
April 18, 2024 07:04 PM EDT
Mad in Love, Stefanos Tsitsipas Delivers the Most Romantic Message for ‘Biggest Blessing’ Paula Badosa
April 16, 2024 01:23 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“I mean, it’s not the umpire’s mistake, because sometimes you just cannot see the mark. It’s too difficult, especially after the set break, because they clean the court, they brush the lines, so it’s almost impossible to see where the mark starts,” Thiem added.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Besides Thiem and Shapovalov, Stefanos Tsitsipas also urged French Open organizers to make use of the technology. The Greek star mentioned that he doesn’t “understand” why it has not been introduced till now.