Tennis fans and commentators are demanding the French Open finally introduce line technology after a controversial moment that went Alexander Zverev’s way in Sunday night’s final. Zverev finally broke through for his maiden grand slam title, beating Flavio Cobolli 6-1 4-6 6-4 6-7 (5) 6-1 in the decider.
It made Zverev the first German man to win a major since Boris Becker at the Australian Open in 1996. It was Zverev’s fourth attempt in a grand slam final having previously lost three title matches.
Alexander Zverev’s French Open triumph was somewhat overshadowed by controversy. Image: Eurosport/Getty
But the match was somewhat overshadowed by controversy when Cobolli appeared to be dudded by a line call late in the fourth set. A serve from Zverev was called in, even though the ball mark on the court appeared to clearly show it was out.
The chair umpire looked at the mark and confirmed it was in, which gave the game to Zverev for a 6-5 lead. Fans and commentators were blown away that it was called in, with many of the belief it was clearly out.
Cobolli still managed to win the set to send the match to a fifth, but the controversial moment renewed calls for Roland Garros officials to finally relent and introduce electronic line calling. The French Open is the only major that still uses human line judges, rather than technology.
French Open officials have stated the technology isn’t 100 per cent reliable on clay due to the unique nature of the surface compared to hard and grass courts. Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said earlier in the tournament they had no immediate plans to change, but the situation will be reviewed after the men’s final.
Alexander Zverev kisses the French Open trophy after finally winning his first grand slam.
(Ian MacNicol)
Tennis world calls for French Open rule change
Leading tennis journalist Jose Morgado wrote on social media: “How is this called good? Scandalous.” Another person wrote: “Enough is enough. You have the technology. Use it.”
A third commented: “Absolute disgrace and the players should not agree to play until Hawkeye is allowed completely.” While a fourth added: “That ball is clearly out. Horrible call. Not that Cobolli was going to win anyway but wow.”
Zverev was overcome after finally winning his first major. “This court is so special to me in so many ways… but now finally, it’s a happy end,” he said. “We’ve been through losses, we’ve been losers at times as well in the most important moments. But at the end of the day, we’re grand slam champions now, and that’s what counts.”
