ITF Extends Electronic Line-Calling in Davis and Fed Cup

March 14, 2011

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced today that it has increased the use of electronic line-calling reviews in its official team competitions, abortion Davis Cup by BNP Paribas and Fed Cup by BNP Paribas. Starting this year, the Hawk-Eye Officiating system will also be used in the Fed Cup World Group semifinals and the Davis Cup World Group quarterfinals. The decision was taken by the ITF Board of Directors at its meeting last week.

Electronic review was first used in Davis Cup at the 2006 Final between Russia and Argentina in Moscow. Its use was extended to the Fed Cup Final in 2007 and the Davis Cup semifinals in 2010. The system is only used on ties played on hard court and grass court.

Hawk-Eye Officiating will be used at the two Fed Cup by BNP Paribas semifinals on 16-17 April, with Russia taking on Italy in Moscow, and Belgium hosting Czech Republic in Charleroi, with both ties taking place on indoor hard court. The venues for the four Davis Cup quarterfinals on 8-10 July are still to be confirmed.

ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said: “Davis Cup and Fed Cup by BNP Paribas are two of the most prestigious team competitions in the sporting calendar, with a unique atmosphere and partisan crowds. The increased use of electronic review at ties reflects the importance of these competitions, and creates added interest and entertainment for spectators.”

Juan Margets, ITF Executive Vice President and Chairman of the Davis Cup Committee, added: “The introduction of electronic review has been very positive for players and for officiating. Following discussions with our National Associations, team captains and players, we believe that it is important to increase its use in our team competitions, and this is a positive step.”