Zverev Angry About 'Absolutely Ridiculous' Decision To Remove Let Machines
News
Alexander Zverev cannot understand why the let machines were removed from Grand Slams despite technology becoming more prevalent in other areas.
An increasing number of tournaments, including the ongoing Australian Open, use automatic line-calling to ensure more accurate decisions, meaning the tradition of having line judges in the sport is eroding.
However, some question the accuracy of the technology used for line calls. In her opening match of the Australian Open, Naomi Osaka was stunned when a shot from Caroline Garcia was not called out despite replays indicating it was clearly long.
For years, machines were used to call lets when a serve would touch the net before going to the other side of the court. The serve is replayed when that happens, contrasting with during the rally when the point is completed regardless.
Those machines have not been used at the four Grand Slams since being removed before last year's French Open. This means umpires have to see or hear the ball skimming the net, which can be challenging from high up in the chair.
In a press conference after beating Tommy Paul in the Australian Open quarterfinal, Zverev expressed annoyance about the let machines being taken away at the Grand Slams and thinks it makes no sense.
"I mean, we had that since the French Open last year, where for some reason at the Grand Slams we don't use let machines. I think it's quite ridiculous to be honest."
"Every corner of everything has a camera, we have video reviews, all kinds of high-end technologies we can use, but a simple let machine that we have used for 25 years is not available at a Grand Slam."
Zverev mentioned an incident in his match against Paul in which the American was unhappy after losing a point despite it being evident to both that the serve to start the point was a let.
"To be honest, the point that Tommy Paul complained about was an incredible clear let. I didn't know what to do, but I have to keep playing because if there's no call and I stop playing, it's a loss of point for me. In that situation there isn't much you can do, but he was absolutely right."
While frustrating for Paul, Zverev does not blame the umpire for missing the let because it is challenging for officials to see it from their position. That is why the ATP world No. 2 thinks let machines should be reinstated.
"I don't blame the umpire too much because it is hard to hear, especially if you're sitting higher up. But for me it's absolutely ridiculous and a surprise that we don't have a simple let machine at Grand Slams that we used to have for the past 25 years in tennis."
Zverev's annoyance is understandable, but having the technology can still cause controversy if the rules are confusing. That was shown when Emma Navarro could not review a clear double bounce that was not called during her Australian Open quarterfinal against Iga Swiatek.
