coco Archives - 09 Sports

In a heated semifinal match at the French Open, Coco Gauff called for significant changes in tennis rules following a controversial umpire decision that led to her loss against Iga Świątek.

Tennis, a sport that still largely depends on human judgment, is currently debating whether or not to use video review technology in light of the incident.

Gauff got into a heated argument with chair umpire Aurélie Tourte during the June 6 game. Following a 2-1 victory in the second set, Gauff sobbed after a line judge ruled Świątek’s serve to be “out,” only for Tourte to overturn the ruling and deem it “in.”

Clearly displeased, Gauff claimed that she should have returned the serve because she had relied on the initial “out” call.

Gauff complained to Tourte, “I have the right to finish my swing,” citing the jeers from the audience that mirrored her annoyance.

You are incorrect, which is why they are jeering you. A Grand Slam semifinal is underway. Recognize the game’s regulations.

Tourte’s remark, “We cannot ask him,” in reference to the line judge, served to exacerbate the conflict. Gauff persisted in making her argument, highlighting how the call had interfered with her play and cost her the game.

Following the match, Gauff expressed her disgust and demanded that tennis adopt a system of video review.

According to CNN, Gauff stated, “Tennis is the only sport where we not only don’t have the VR system, but a lot of the decisions are made by one person.”

In other sports, a panel of referees usually makes the judgments. I firmly believe that the fact that we still lack it at this moment is practically absurd. Not only am I saying this because it happened to me, but I believe it exists in all sports.

Gauff emphasized the aggravation of discovering that the call was incorrect after seeing a match again online.

She questioned, “What does that give you at that moment?” “You can call for the supervisor in some cases, but they are limited in what they can do.

We need to change as a sport, and the technology is here, in my opinion. Why the player can’t see it is beyond me, as they’re showing it on TV.

The topic of whether or not tennis should use technology has come up again in light of this occurrence. Hawk-Eye has already been adopted by the sport for line calls, although its application is restricted, and many significant calls are still made by a single umpire.

The implementation of a thorough video review system may bring tennis into line with other popular sports like basketball, football, and cricket, where referees use technology to help them make accurate calls.

Gauff is not alone in calling for change. Video review systems have been trialed at the U.S. Open and used in doubles matches on occasion.

The legitimacy and fairness of the sport might be improved by extending this technology to all significant competitions and pivotal moments in the game.

Player psychological effects from contested calls are substantial. The player impacted by the incorrect call does not find comfort in reviewing a match replay and recognizing the mistake.

By introducing video review, these mistakes might be instantly fixed, giving gamers a sense of fairness. Umpires would feel less pressure and more confident knowing that their choices may be reviewed, which would enhance the quality of officiating.

The desire for modernization in tennis is reflected in Coco Gauff’s call for rule revisions. Tennis can preserve its integrity and guarantee fair play by utilizing video review technology.

To the interest of players, officials, and spectators alike, the tennis governing bodies ought to take Gauff’s plea seriously and enact these modifications.

It’s time for tennis to change and maintain its standing as a game that respects innovation in technology and fair play.

*This article was written by Tushar, author @09sports.com