In a controversial move, the Wimbledon tennis tournament will use virtual nets on the main courts from next year.
Wimbledon will be the first grand slam competition to use virtual tennis nets, although line calls have been computerised for some time. Wimbledon is keen to be the first to use the new technology, which, surprisingly, was developed in the UK.  A spokesman said that it was the logical next step for tennis in the twenty-first century and would make the game fairer. In a nod to tradition, a physical net will still be used for the men’s singles final.
The system has been tested exhaustively. It can survive a racket attack by Novak Djokovic, a verbal onslaught from Andy Murray and the disappointment of another Emma Raducanu collapse. Although the on-court computer will decide which shots have hit the virtual net, the umpire will continue to have the final say.
The top of the net will be indicated by a red laser light shining between the net posts, indicating where the net cord would be. The rest of the net will be simulated by white laser lights. The lasers are low power devices, and won’t harm the players much if they fall into the net.
The players’ association is debating the removal of ‘net-cord jeopardy’. Some argue that shots that are deflected by the net-cord are part of the excitement of the game. Others say it’s unfair for key points to be decided by fluke shots. And another group says that jumping a laser net at the end of the game won’t be as much fun.
The tennis authorities are keen to confirm that the new technology will have no effect on the chances of an English player winning Wimbledon, which remain at virtually zero.
image from pixabay
