In the future, the ATP players’ association will rely on technical solutions across the board for men’s tennis tournaments when deciding whether a ball was in the field.
Instead of classic line judges, an electronic live system should be used on the entire ATP tour from 2025, according to a statement. There have been tests with this technology since 2017, which has recently been used more and more often due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“This is a milestone for our sport and one that we have not achieved without careful consideration.”, said ATP boss Andrea Gaudenzi. “Tradition is at the core of tennis, and linesmen have played an important role over the years“But the organization has a responsibility to embrace innovation and new technologies. Tennis deserves it.”the most accurate form” of decision-making, said the former Italian professional.
In the past, world number one Novak Djokovic, among others, had advocated the abolition of linesmen. The technology is so advanced that a video surveillance system can be used, argued the Serb on this issue.