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The US Open, one of tennis's most prestigious tournaments, is set to return with an exciting technological upgrade.
US Open expands use of VAR
For the 2024 edition, tournament officials have announced the expansion of Video Assistant Review (VAR) technology to eight courts, following its initial introduction at the US Open in 2023.
This development is poised to enhance the fairness of the competition and minimize the risk of controversial umpiring decisions that have sparked debate in recent years.
VAR, or Video Assistant Review, is a system designed to assist umpires in making more accurate decisions during matches.
This technology allows players to challenge calls related to crucial aspects of the game, such as whether a ball bounced twice, if a player touched the net, or if a foul shot was made.
When a challenge is issued, the umpire reviews video footage to determine the accuracy of the original call.
If the review shows that the initial decision was incorrect, the call is overturned.
Players are permitted three video challenges per set, with an additional challenge available during tiebreaks.
However, it's important to note that VAR cannot be used to challenge code violations, which remain under the sole discretion of the umpire.
The system is also employed to correct scoring errors or address malfunctions in the Electronic Line Calling system.
Once a decision has been made using VAR, it is final and cannot be appealed.
Coco Gauff's call for VAR and its impact
The push for VAR in tennis gained significant attention earlier this season when American star Coco Gauff was involved in a controversial incident during the French Open final against Iga Swiatek.
After a disputed call that was overruled by the chair umpire, Gauff became visibly emotional and later expressed her frustration in a post-match interview, advocating for the broader use of VAR in tennis.
Her plea appears to have resonated with US Open officials, who have now expanded the use of this technology to ensure fair play.
Despite its promise, the VAR system is not without its challenges.
During the 2023 US Open, an incident during Andy Murray's match against Corentin Moutet highlighted potential issues with the technology.
The chair umpire's tablet malfunctioned during a crucial moment, preventing her from reviewing the video replay.
This malfunction led to the original call standing, sparking criticism and calls for further improvements to the system.
With the expansion of VAR to more courts at this year's US Open, officials are hopeful that such issues will be addressed, ensuring that the technology operates smoothly and consistently throughout the tournament.