Instant replay continues to have an impact on the tennis world. After making its US Open Series debut at the RCA Championships in Indianapolis, the ground-breaking technology has now been utilized in six other US Open Series tournaments. Results of player challenges from Week 4 of US Open Series play include:
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Once a player challenges a line call, an official replay will be provided simultaneously to the television broadcast and in-stadium video boards, allowing players, officials, on-site fans and television viewers the opportunity to see the live results of a player challenge.
At the Nasdaq-100 Open, players challenged 161 calls in the 59 matches played on stadium court. Of the 161 challenges, 53 calls were reversed as a result of a player challenge. The system received positive reviews from players, fans and TV viewers.
The implementation of line calling technology at all US Open Series tournaments is the result of a collaborative effort between the USTA, ATP, Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, the Tournaments and US Open Series broadcasters.
"Instant replay has proven to enhance officiating for players, while adding to the excitement and intrigue for fans and television viewers,” said Arlen Kantarian, Chief Executive, Professional Tennis, USTA. "This initiative was developed in partnership with our friends at the ATP and the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, and we look forward to a consistent system that will benefit players, fans, and the entire sport."
"Following the great fan feedback at the NASDAQ-100 Open in Miami, expanding the use of electronic line calling to Sony Ericsson WTA Tour and ATP events participating in the US Open Series is great news for fans, players and tournaments,” said Larry Scott, CEO of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. “This very positive step forward could not have happened without the game’s governing bodies working together in a collaborative manner.”
"It was clear to us all in Miami that electronic line calling adds to the entertainment both in the stadiums and on television," said ATP Executive Chairman and President Etienne de Villiers. "To be able to showcase this enhancement every week during the summer through the US Open Series is a tremendous opportunity for tennis."
"We look forward to presenting the accuracy and drama of the player challenge system in our extensive US Open Series coverage this summer," said Len DeLuca, senior vice president, programming and acquisitions, ESPN and ABC Sports. "Making the US Open Series even more popular is about connecting the fan to the game on ESPN2 -- electronic line calling is another step".
The tournaments comprising the US Open Series are:
At all US Open Series tournaments, the on-court player challenge system will remain as follows:
- Each player will receive two challenges per set to review line calls.
- If the player is correct with a challenge, then the player retains the same number of challenges.
- If the player is incorrect with a challenge, then one of his/her challenges is lost.
- During a tie-break game in any set, each player will receive one additional challenge.
- Challenges may not be carried over from one set to another.
As previously announced, instant replay technology will make its Grand Slam debut at the 2006 US Open where it will be used in both Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadiums.