Novak Djokovic feels tennis should move with the times and replace line umpires with technology
Novak Djokovic believes tradition should not stop tennis from adopting technology at all tournaments, saying “sooner or later there is no reason to keep line umpires”.
World No 1 Djokovic was infamously defaulted from the US Open fourth round after he accidentally hit a line umpire in the throat with a ball after he tried to return a ball to a ball kid following a controversial call.
Novak Djokovic brushes aside Daniel Elahi Galan, but says ‘it’s really nice to see new faces, young players’
And there have been several contentious calls from line umpires at Roland Garros as well, causing several players to voice their unhappiness, including 17-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic.
“With all respect for the tradition and the culture we have in this sport, when it comes to people present on the court during a match, including line umpires, I really don’t see a reason why every single tournament in this world, in this technological advanced era, would not have what we had during Cincinnati/New York tournament,” he said.
“The technology is so advanced right now, there is absolutely no reason why you should keep line umpires on the court. Of course I understand technology is expensive, so it’s an economical issue and a question mark.
“But I feel like we are all moving towards that, and sooner or later there is no reason to keep line umpires.
“Maybe you can tell me if there is any significant reason why we should keep other than tradition that we had and have in this sport. Then I would also probably then have less chances to do what I did in New York.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev just happy to be back competing against the best
Alexander Zverev has said that he savours being competitive in big tournaments.
-
Tennis News
WTA star announces that she is expecting a baby girl
Alison Riske-Amritraj will be having a daughter.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”