US Open to fully implement electronic line judging this year

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Grand Slam tournament US Open will be replacing the traditional linesmen setup with the technology-driven electronic line calling.

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) confirmed the development and will be one of the major changes in professional tennis for years.

After a successful dry-run during the 2020 Western and Southern Open and the US Open courts except for Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadiums, the USTA is firm and final with their decision of fully implementing the technological approach of line-calling.

“The USTA implemented electronic line-calling for the 2020 Western and Southern Open and US Open on all courts except Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadiums. In total, Hawk-Eye Live made upwards of 314,000 calls during the two tournaments,” USTA said.

Beginning August 30 (start of the 2021 US Open), persons are no longer allowed to spot and station near the line area except for the ball persons.

So far, there are no complaints regarding the sudden change in the sport and was warmly welcomed in the recent tournaments.