Every day, Anicet Mbida makes us discover an innovation that could well change the way we consume.
This Monday, he is interested in the computer system set up at the Australian Open to replace the linesmen.
Today's innovation comes from the Australian tennis open.
The tournament started a few hours ago without any referee.
They are replaced by a computer device.
Replaced by relentless machines, with radars and cameras that will monitor everything that happens on the court.
The instant the ball goes out of bounds, a recorded voice will be heard saying "out" and on the main screen you will see a slowdown with a close-up of the exact spot where the ball landed.
Same thing with the service: if the foot bites the line or if the ball touches the net, one will immediately hear "fault" or "let".
So no more dispute possible.
This is the first grand slam tournament to do without lines referees.
Is there a specific reason for this?
Yes, there are two.
First, the pandemic.
With the Covid, we tried to limit the number of people on the courts (there are still ten line referees on each field).
It is also an opportunity to put an end to all the controversies on arbitration: the double bounces that were not seen or the heated debates as at Roland Garros on the space between the trace and the line.
There at least, everything will be judged to the millimeter, in the same way, by the machine.
It is recalled that since 2017, the Masters Next Gen of the ATP, already completely dispenses with line judges.
We are testing new rules to speed up the pace of matches.
What does it mean ?
The beginning of the end for linesmen in tennis?
There is a debate right now;
between those who want to keep a certain tradition and those who seek efficiency.
But what worries the most is coming out of the chair umpire.
Soon all he will have to do is shake hands with the players and walk them home.
The computer will take care of the rest.