The tennis tour gears up for a thrilling new season, with fresh champions, rivalries, and inevitably umpire drama! 2025 served up iconic clashes, from Wimbledon chair Nico Helwerth’s controversial replay of a botched electronic line call in Pavlyuchenkova-Kartal, to Swiatek blasting Kader Nouni at Roland Garros over uneven mark checks against Sabalenka, and Medvedev’s fiery run-ins on “effort” violations and interference. What sparks await in 2026? Well, right now, the ATP is facing a shake-up for a few umpires!

As reported by Punto de Break on December 31, Spaniard Nacho Forcadell will step down from his current spot after earning a promotion to supervisor. Aurelie Tourte, meanwhile, is stepping into a more formal position, bringing her trademark authority to the role. And there’s a fun twist: Mohamed Lahyani and Fergus Murphy are now officially “senior umpires,” a brand-new distinction that’s adding some serious prestige to the chair.

The news was shared on X by a user who shared the new roles of the umpires, captioned:

“Changes to ATP officiating team: Like I speculated earlier, Nacho Forcadell is, indeed, promoted to a supervisor. Aurelie Tourte acquires a more formal (mentoring?) role. Mohamed Lahyani and Fergus Murphy are now “senior” chair umpires — this distinction didn’t exist before.”

Forcadell was one of the ATP Tour’s most consistent chair umpires. He wrapped up an eventful 2025 season and was in the spotlight a few times.  Like when he was the umpire during Alexander Zverev’s Australian Open quarterfinal, where Zverev protested a feather on court, and later, his tense Laver Cup clash over a disputed let call.

The Spanish umpire was also in the chair for Reilly Opelka’s Indian Wells match that led to a $24,600 fine for verbal abuse, Novak Djokovic’s Italian Open dispute amid weather delays, Tommy Paul’s rules debate in Miami, and Felix Auger-Aliassime’s time violation controversy in Paris. Each moment showed why Forcadell’s calm command of the chair earned him this promotion.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Lahyani continued doing what he does best. That is: bringing authority, warmth, and control to even the trickiest matches. The Swedish gold badge umpire remained as dependable as ever in 2025, memorably handling the Madrid Open blackout match between Matteo Arnaldi and his opponent when technology failed mid-match. Lahyani entered results manually, kept the rhythm alive, and proved once again why his presence settles players and crowds alike.

Last but not least, Fergus Murphy who is another veteran voice in the chair, also had a standout 2025 season. The Irishman oversaw Carlos Alcaraz’s Japan Open final victory against Taylor Fritz, a match that turned lively after Murphy issued a time violation that became the center of debate. His authoritative manner, however, kept matters contained.

While ATP umpires gear up for role changes in the 2026 season, a few familiar faces on tour ended the year on a high note. Earning special honours for their contributions to the sport!

Tennis umpires get special year-end recognition

On December 30, the LTA announced a royal nod to three remarkable names in British tennis. His Majesty The King recognised their incredible contributions in the 2026 New Year Honours List, shining a spotlight on those who’ve shaped the game from the chair to the community courts.

Among them, James Keothavong earns an MBE for services to tennis and umpiring, while Hilda Moore and Stephen Woodley each receive a BEM for decades of dedication to grassroots tennis across the UK.

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“It is brilliant that the outstanding contributions which James, Hilda and Stephen have made to British tennis have been recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours list. From officiating at grand slam finals to developing tennis in communities, their contributions to our sport have been significant over many years. On behalf of the LTA and the wider tennis community we send James, Hilda and Stephen our congratulations for these deserved awards,” said LTA Chief Executive Scott Lloyd.

Keothavong’s rise from Hackney park courts to the world’s biggest stages is a story of calm authority and precision. With more than 25 years in officiating and 15 as a Gold Badge Chair, he’s worked 85 consecutive Grand Slams and chaired finals at all four majors.

Since joining the ITF and Grand Slam Officiating Team in 2011, he has overseen Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup Finals, six Olympic Games, and helped shape tennis rules as part of international committees. Off court, he finds time to mentor young officials, passing on the sharp eye and composure that define his career.

Hilda Moore and Stephen Woodley’s honours celebrate the heart of the game at grassroots level. Moore has spent 45 years inspiring others. Leading Marlborough Tennis Club’s rebirth, coaching hundreds of juniors, launching walking tennis sessions, and earning the 2025 LTA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Woodley’s 50-year journey in Kent tells a similar story of devotion, guiding Canterbury Lawn Tennis Club’s move to Polo Farm, building new courts, opening an indoor centre, and nurturing a thriving community of 400 juniors and 16 teams. Now an Honorary Life Vice President of Kent Tennis, he’s also a Meritorious Service and 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient

Seems like a great way to wrap up the season. Now, as 2026 begins, new rules, new stories, and more on-court drama await. What surprises do you think the tennis year has in store? Share your thoughts below!