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French Open Maintains Human Line Judges Despite Push for Electronic Calls

French Tennis Federation President Gilles Moretton argues that traditional officiating preserves fairness on clay courts.

A line judge makes a call as Anastasia Pavliuchenkova plays Zheng Qinwen during their first-round match of the French Open on May 25. (Lindsey Wasson/Associated Press)
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Overview

  • Roland Garros is the only Grand Slam still using human line judges this year.
  • French Tennis Federation President Gilles Moretton said keeping human officials ensures reliable calls on unpredictable clay surfaces.
  • Novak Djokovic told reporters he prefers electronic line-calling for faster, more accurate rulings and fewer on-court officials.
  • Wimbledon and tour events on red clay have switched to automated systems, reflecting a broader move toward technology in tennis officiating.
  • Moretton emphasized that human line judges help foster grassroots tennis by providing year-round officiating opportunities in local clubs.