'Clear and conclusive evidence': Australian Open unveils unprecedented review system
Updated . First published at
MELBOURNE: Australian Open organisers have announced an unprecedented video review challenge system for the big matches at this year's major.
The system will be in use for all main draw matches on Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena.
Players and teams will be allowed to challenge certain judgement calls made by the chair umpire either on a point ending call, or when a player immediately stops play.
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Chair umpire Marijana Veljovic looks on during the 2023 Australian Open. Getty
The system is believed to be a first at a grand slam tournament.
Similar to cricket's DRS, players will be limited to three incorrect challenges per set plus an additional challenge in each tie break.
The AO said the video review official and chair umpire would each look for clear and conclusive evidence to either confirm or overturn the call.
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Novak Djokovic of Serbia talks to chair umpire Fergus Murphy at Melbourne Park. Getty
"If there is no clear and conclusive evidence, then the original call will stand," a statement said.
"The chair umpire will make the final call, but since the VRO and video operator will have had access to all of the available angles, and in most cases, by deciding on which angle is best, the VRO will have a good idea of what decision needs to be made and can be used as a resource for the chair umpire to make the final decision."
Non reviewable calls include foot faults, service lets and time and code violations.
Video technology is already used for determining line calls.
