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French Open Stands By Line Judges After Hawk‑Eye Replay Contradicted Ruud Call

Amélie Mauresmo defended human officiating, stating electronic line‑calling will not be used for 2026 with a post‑tournament review planned.

Overview

  • A televised Hawk‑Eye replay shown during Casper Ruud’s fourth‑round match on Monday contradicted a chair umpire’s mark check that ruled João Fonseca’s forehand in and denied Ruud a set point.
  • Fonseca won the match in four sets and the disputed second‑set tiebreak call prompted immediate criticism from former players and commentators who urged Roland Garros to adopt automated line calling.
  • Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo said the clay surface makes ball‑tracking less reliable because shifting topsoil and weather affect accuracy and therefore the event will keep human line judges for 2026.
  • The French Tennis Federation publicly backed the decision, emphasizing pride in its officials and saying the federation will preserve line judges unless technology or player consensus decisively changes.
  • Roland Garros said it will review electronic line‑calling options after the tournament and remain open to future adoption, even as the incident intensifies debate over how to reduce match‑altering errors.