Tournament in Madrid introduces "Electronic Line Calling"
Big change in the tennis tournament in Madrid: Starting this year, the Spanish capital will be using "Electronic Line Calling".
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Feb 17, 2020, 09:43 pm
It took a long time, but now the time has come: The Hawk Eye will also be used on sand this season - but not at all tournaments. At ATP Masters 1000 level or at WTA Premier Mandatory tournaments on red ash, the number is even limited to a single event.
The so-called "Electronic Line Calling System", as the Hawk Eye on sand is officially called, will only be used in Madrid. The three largest courts in the Spanish capital will be equipped with this system to prevent wrong decisions by line and chair umpires.
Hawk Eye in use since 2006
"We are very proud to be able to use the 'Electronic Line Calling' option. We always wanted to be a pioneer and the use of this system strengthens this spirit. There is no doubt that this system will also help the players "said tournament director Feliciano Lopez.
The Hawk Eye was used for the first time on a hard court in Miami in 2006. Since then it has been an integral part of hard court and lawn tournaments and often serves as an additional show element for the spectators. The tournament in Madrid will provide first insights into whether this technology will also prevail on sand.