ATP Announces Big Rule Change For 2020 Clay Court Season

ATP has announced the usage of a trial Electronic review on a select number of clay-court events. This will be done for the first time on the ATP Tour.

The first clay-court tournament to be played using the Electronic review mechanism is the ATP 500 event which is scheduled to be held in Rio De Janeiro.

What Is So Special About The Move Taken By The ATP?

The Electronic Review system was first introduced in the  ATP tour in the year 2006 in Miami. Subsequently, the challenge system was implemented on all kinds of courts except on clay.

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Here, a closer walk with conventions was taken. It continued to follow the traditional route where players ask chair umpires to check ball marks.

However, Electronic review is an essential technological advancement that was bound to be introduced one day. It actually reduces the scope for human errors. In turn, the efficiency of officiating in the tournaments also increases.

During the trial, players can make unlimited number of challenges during matches. This will ensure that there is consistency within the tournament for players competing on show courts as well as outside courts where the standard ball mark inspection protocols will be applicable.

The Association of Tennis players has clarified that it will be working closely with suppliers so that the technology can be accurately and successfully implemented on the clay courts.

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At the ATP Challenger tour events in 2019, there were levels to the trial. This included accuracy testing prior to the tournament, shadow testing during the qualifying and real play during the tournament.

At the ATP 500 event to be held in Rio De Janeiro, the technology will be provided by FOXTENN.

What do you think will be the effects of these new changes that have now been introduced?