The US Open is experimenting with a new procedure for video review at this year’s tournament. In the “that was awkward” department, the initial use was an epic fail. During a first-round match between Corentin Moutet and Andy Murray, the video review tablet did not work, forcing the original call to stand without review. Fortunately, it was the correct call and thus did not materially alter the match outcome.
I have been unable to locate an official description of the rules and procedures, but according to an AP article, players get three challenges per set for things such as double bounces, a ball touching a player’s body, a player touching the net, or a player being hindered by noise. The mechanics are similar to the existing line call challenge system. Players are not charged for a challenge if they are correct and also receive a bonus challenge in tiebreakers.
Murray was serving with a 5-3 lead in the third set when Moutet lunged at a ball on the sideline. When the chair umpire rendered the “not up” call, he quickly threw up his arms to initiate the challenge. Unfortunately, the chair umpire’s tablet malfunctioned, preventing her from watching the video footage. Even though the broadcast replay was available, the procedures prohibited the umpire from using that alternate source.
From the dim recesses of my memory, I think Hawk-Eye Live can also make “not up” calls. For some reason, the ITF and professional tours have apparently elected to disable that feature. However, the new video system covers scenarios that are outside of the ball-tracking wheelhouse of Hawk-Eye.
Recent rules controversies could have been impacted by video review if available. For example, the egregiously bad call that precipitated the cascading events in “The Miyu Kato Disqualification Saga” could have taken an entirely different path had an audible hindrance review been performed. With other sports embracing video review technology, it makes sense for tennis to explore the boundaries.
However, the first step is to ensure that it actually works when needed.
- In its initial use, new US Open video review system fails when chair umpire’s tablet malfunctions, Brian Mahoney, AP News, August 29, 2023.
- The US Open is adding video review for double bounces. It’s a first for Grand Slam tennis, Howard Frendrich, AP News, August 9, 2023.
