FridayOL

Novak Djokovic, one of the world's leading tennis players, has voiced his strong disagreement with the French Open's decision to continue using human line judges instead of the electronic line-calling technology (Hawk-Eye) that's become standard at most other major tournaments. He believes this is a significant error that impacts fairness and potentially the outcome of matches.

The debate surrounding line calls has been a recurring theme in tennis, and the French Open's traditional approach stands in stark contrast to the advancements being made elsewhere. Most Grand Slam events, including Wimbledon, the Australian Open, and the US Open, have embraced electronic line-calling systems to provide more accurate and consistent calls, reducing disputes and ensuring a higher level of integrity in the game.

Djokovic isn't alone in his concerns. Many players and fans have expressed frustration with the potential for human error in line calls, especially in crucial moments of a match. The subjective nature of a line judge's decision can lead to controversy and accusations of bias, even if unintentional. Electronic systems offer a more objective and reliable assessment, eliminating the possibility of human misjudgment.

The French Open's reasoning for sticking with traditional line judges is rooted in preserving the historical character and atmosphere of the tournament. Organisers argue that the presence of line judges adds a certain charm and tradition to the event, and that the potential for minor errors is outweighed by the overall experience.

However, Djokovic argues that the pursuit of fairness and accuracy should take precedence over tradition. “I think that in this day and age, with the technology available, it’s a bad call not to use it,” he stated.