AboutEd Hines Expertise The Rules of Tennis primarily, including junior and collegiate application of the rules as well as recreational play. Please: NO questions about practice drills or ways to improve your game.
Experience Over 30 years playing the game, including USTA and ITA Officials' certification in junior, collegiate, and professional tennis.
Organizations USTA; Atlanta Professional Tennis Umpires Association
Awards and Honors ATP Linesman, Chair Official NCAA Regional Div I and Div III, Blue Gray Tournament Chair, SEC Championships, Southern Conf Championships, Atlantic Sun Conference, Several Junior National and Super National Jr. Tournaments, NCAA Womens Championship Finals, ASI and AT&T (qualifier final) Chair.
Expert: Ed Hines Date: 9/4/2007 Subject: challenges/contesting a call
Question QUESTION: I've been paying close attn to the challenges during the US Open. On a couple
occasions, after the replay comes up on the big screen, a player will further
contest the call by saying things like "but I touched it" or "I hit it." What are they
contesting exactly? That the call came at an inopportune time (causing them to
miss the return)? Are the line-umpires supposed to shout "out" before the
player makes contact?
ANSWER: Sorry, Donna, but I'm not sure. I've watched a lot of the OPEN but haven't seen what you describe. What might be happening is the timeliness of the challenge. Challenges, just line calls, should be made immediately, although it appears that the chair umpires are giving some leeway there.
Just as before the reply/challenge system, I would think players have to stop play immediately and make the challenge. If they don't or hit the next ball and them make the challenge, it is or should be too late.
IF you can provide additional insight or details, I might be able to answer for informatively.
Feel free to email back.
Ed
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: One instance was over the weekend with (I think) Jankovic. After the challenge
(which proved in favor of her opponent) she approached the ump and said "but I
touched it." Which makes no sense to me. What could that mean?
Answer You're right: makes no sense. Do you think she might have said "SHE touched it," instead of herself? For example, if one of them touched the net while the ball was still in play or touched another permanent fixture, or did perhaps the ball come in contact with the player?
Then again, maybe (since I'm assuming she's not fluent in English) she meant she "touched" or HIT the ball after the ball was called out. That is, maybe she was saying the challenge call was too late.
I wished I'd seen this. You've got my curiosity up.
Sorry I can't be of more help, but it looks like it's just speculation with the information I have.
Ed
