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INSTANT REPLAY TO BE IMPLEMENTED AT ROGERS CUP TOURNAMENT
In-stadium video boards, Hawk-Eye technology and player challenges improves fan experiences
June 8, 2006 - Tennis Canada, in collaboration with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced Thursday that instant replay technology, along with a player challenge system, will be used in August during Rogers Cup presented by American Express in Toronto and Rogers Cup presented by National Bank in Montreal. Tennis Canada also announced the addition of a new video board on centre court at Uniprix Stadium and an enlarged video board replacing the existing system on centre court at Rexall Centre.
All 10 summer tournaments associated with the U.S. Open Series, which are linked to the U.S. Open, will be using these new features. The tournaments will use Hawk-Eye’s electronic line calling technology and the player challenge protocol that was a proven success when it debuted at the Nasdaq-100 Open in March.
“With the combination of new in-stadium video boards, instant replay and player challenges, fans attending the Rogers Cup tournaments and watching on Canadian television will enjoy an improved tennis experience,” expressed Michael S. Downey, president and chief executive officer of Tennis Canada. “We are thrilled to be a key part of the new era in professional tennis.”
The new video boards at Rexall Centre and Uniprix Stadium will feature two screens sized 180 square-foot each (12-foot-by-15-foot) and weigh approximately 4,250 ponds apiece. The video boards will be a large part of the in-stadium atmosphere on centre court for instant replay coverage, fan interaction, contests and corporate partner recognition.
Once a player challenges a line call, an official replay will be provided simultaneously to the television broadcast and in-stadium video boards, allowing players, officials, on-site fans and television viewers the opportunity to see the live results of a player challenge.
The implementation of line calling technology at all U.S. Open Series tournaments is the result of a collaborative effort between the USTA, ATP, Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, the Tournaments and U.S. Open Series broadcasters.
The system received positive reviews from players, fans and TV viewers when the protocol made its debut at the Nasdaq-100 Open in March. Players challenged 161 calls in the 59 matches played on stadium court. Of the 161 challenges, 53 calls were reversed as a result of a player challenge.
"Instant replay has proven to enhance officiating for players, while adding to the excitement and intrigue for fans and television viewers,” said Arlen Kantarian, chief executive, professional tennis, USTA. "This initiative was developed in partnership with our friends at the ATP and the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, and we look forward to a consistent system that will benefit players, fans, and the entire sport."
"Following the great fan feedback at the NASDAQ-100 Open in Miami, expanding the use of electronic line calling to Sony Ericsson WTA Tour and ATP events participating in the U.S. Open Series is great news for fans, players and tournaments,” said Larry Scott, CEO of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. “This very positive step forward could not have happened without the game’s governing bodies working together in a collaborative manner.”
"It was clear to us all in Miami that electronic line calling adds to the entertainment both in the stadiums and on television," said ATP Executive Chairman and President Etienne de Villiers. "To be able to showcase this enhancement every week during the summer through the U.S. Open Series is a tremendous opportunity for tennis."
At all U.S. Open Series tournaments, the on-court player challenge system will remain as follows:
- Each player will receive two challenges per set to review line calls.
- If the player is correct with a challenge, then the player retains the same number of challenges.
- If the player is incorrect with a challenge, then one of his/her challenges is lost.
- During a tie-break game in any set, each player will receive one additional challenge.
- Challenges may not be carried over from one set to another.
As previously announced by the USTA, instant replay technology will make its Grand Slam debut at the 2006 US Open where it will be used in both Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadiums.
Canadian television broadcasters CBC, RDS, SRC and TSN will all feature the player challenge system as part of their extensive coverage of both Rogers Cup tournaments. Broadcast schedules will be available on rogerscup.com in the near future.
PLAYERS REACTIONS TO INSTANT REPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Andre Agassi
"In my 20 years in professional tennis, this is one of the most exciting things to happen for players, fans and television viewers. This new technology will add a whole new dimension to the game.”
Martina Navratilova
"It's fantastic. I mean, like where was this 20 years ago?”
John McEnroe
"If anyone’s been listening to my commentary the past year then they know I’m in favour of using replay. I think it will make tennis more interesting.”
Andy Roddick
"On top of just getting the calls right time after time, which will be nice, it’ll add another aspect for TV viewers. If a player has two challenges per set, it will add drama and excitement. This will add to tennis and take out a lot of human error.”
James Blake
"The ball’s moving so fast these days that sometimes it’s impossible for anyone to see, even a trained official. With instant replay we can take advantage of technology and eliminate human error. Having just a few challenges will make it both fun and dramatic for fans at the same time.”
Tim Henman
“I think it's fantastic. I think it's great for the fans. You know, we've got to -- we're in the entertainment business, and I think something like this brings a lot to it.”
Martina Hingis
“I really enjoyed it. It was really nice. The crowd loved it. It's very exciting, especially when you feel like you're right.”
Carlos Moya
“I think it is great for the crowd, and it’s great for us. I think it’s a great thing that we have the Hawk-Eye now. Hopefully it’s going to keep working for all the hard-court tournaments.”
Jamea Jackson (first player to challenge a call)
"It takes a lot of pressure off. You don't get so angry. If you think a call is incorrect, you don't spend extra games thinking about it. It's really quick. I remember people were complaining about maybe it throwing off the timing and rhythm of the match, but it didn't do anything like that at all."
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