Charles Bricker at the South-Florida Sun Sentinel has reported that Hawk-Eye, the new tennis electronic line calling system will be used during the U.S. Open Series and the 2006 U.S. Open.
Bricker said that although the USTA has not yet made an official announcement, the Hawk-Eye integration this summer will definitely happen.
I know a lot of tennis purists have thrown back their heads and howled over instant replay, but personally I love the new system. It adds a whole new dimension to the game and I found myself watching the NASDAQ-100 Open with a new enthusiasm. Not only does the crowd at the tournament get into the action, but the fans watching on TV found themselves rooting from their couches. True, we no longer get to watch tennis players pitching fits on court after disputing a call, but I can do without that unnecessary drama.
The players themselves also benefit from the instant replay. Not only are they getting almost 100% accuracy on controversial calls, but it should help them remain focused in a match. Instead of working themselves into a huff over a call that they believe was really in, they can challenge, find out if they were wrong or right, and keep going.
Hopefully the USTA will confirm Bricker’s article in the next few days. I believe that the new Hawk-Eye system will not only increase accuracy for the tennis tours, but will be a big part of increasing tennis’ popularity in the long run.
Electronic line calling officially debuted at Miami’s NASDAQ-100 Open in March.
June 9 Update: It is now official that Hawk-Eye will be used at the 2006 US Open Series events.
