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Novak Djokovic, who was famously defaulted at the US Open after accidentally hitting a ball that knocked down a linesman, demanded on Saturday that umpires be replaced by machines.
In New York, the world number one was disqualified after hitting a ball in frustration that then slammed into the throat of a tennis player behind him.
The incident occurred at Arthur Ashe Stadium, one of the tournament’s two courts that maintained the tradition of using linesmen and women.
In all others, electronic phone calls were used as part of plans to reduce the number of people at the Flushing Meadows site during the coronavirus pandemic.
There have been increasing calls for a similar system to be introduced at Roland Garros, which still relies on officials making decisions by sight.
Djokovic believes it is time to rethink.
“With all the respect for the tradition and culture that we have in this sport, when it comes to the people present on the court during a match, including the linesmen, I really don’t see a reason why every tournament in this world, In this advanced technological age, I would not have what we had during the Cincinnati / New York tournament, “he said.
“The technology is so advanced right now that there is absolutely no reason why you should keep the linesmen on the court. Of course, I understand that technology is expensive, so it is an economical issue and a sign of question.
“But I feel like we are all moving towards that, and sooner or later there is no reason to keep the line referees.
“Maybe you can tell me if there is any meaningful reason why we should maintain a tradition other than the one we had and have in this sport. Then I would probably also have fewer opportunities to do what I did in New York.
Top players such as US Open champion Dominic Thiem, Denis Shapovalov and Stefanos Tsitsipas have called for Roland Garros umpiring to be reconsidered this week.
On Saturday, Djokovic defeated lucky Colombian underdog Daniel Galán to reach the knockout stages in Paris for the 11th consecutive year equivalent to a record.
Djokovic beat Galán, ranked 153rd, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2, and his most challenging moment came when he helped the ground crew to put more clay on the surface of the court Philippe Chatrier after rain hit it. come back dangerous.
For the 2016 champion, who is chasing an 18th Grand Slam title, it was a 71st victory in Paris.
Djokovic also took his 2020 record to 34 wins against just one loss, his mental swoon in New York, as he continues his bid to become the first man in half a century to win all four Grand Slam titles twice.
The next place in the quarterfinals is Russian Karen Khachanov, who beat Chilean Cristian Garin.
