[ad_1]
PARIS • Novak Djokovic, who was famous at the US Open after accidentally hitting a ball that knocked down a linesman, has demanded that referees be replaced by machines.
The world No. 1 was disqualified at Flushing Meadows after his stray ball slammed into the throat of a tennis player behind him.
The incident occurred at Arthur Ashe Stadium, one of two courts at the US Open that still maintains the tradition of using linesmen and women.
Electronic line calls were used in the other courts as part of plans to reduce the number of people at the scene 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 due respect for the tradition and culture that we have in this sport, when it comes to the people present on the pitch 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 Cincinnati / New York, “he said Saturday.
He previously demolished lucky Colombian underdog Daniel Galán 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 to reach the round of 16, where he will face 15th seed Russian Karen Khachanov.
“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 economic problem and a question mark.
“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.
-
eleven
Years in a row Novak Djokovic has reached the round of 16 at Roland Garros.
Top players like US Open champion Dominic Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas have also called for arbitration to be reconsidered in Paris this week.
FRANCE MEDIA AGENCY
[ad_2]
