Line judges? No need. ATP to test all-electronic line calls
LONDON (AP) There won't be anyone for players to argue calls with at this tennis tournament: They're getting rid of the line judges entirely.
The men's tour announced Monday that the Next Gen ATP Finals, a season-ending event for top 21-and-under players, will feature electronic line-calling for all shots. It's the first time this is being tried at an ATP tournament.
The Next Gen ATP Finals will be held in Milan, Italy, from Nov. 7-12.
The Hawk-Eye Live system will employ the same technology currently used for replay reviews at other tournaments when players contest a line judge's call. But this time, each call will be final. When there is a close shot, screens at the stadium will show a video replay so the competitors and spectators can see precisely where the ball landed.
The only official at each match will be the chair umpire.
The event also will showcase other experimental rules changes, including four-game sets, no lets and a serve clock.
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