Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

French Open to Keep Human Line Judges in 2026, Standing Apart From Other Grand Slams

Officials cite clay’s visible ball marks as a more dependable basis for rulings.

Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 5, 2025 General view inside the stadium during the semi final match between France's Lois Boisson and Coco Gauff of the U.S. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
Image
Image

Overview

  • France’s tennis federation confirmed Roland Garros will retain on-court line judges for the 2026 tournament, making it the only major not using automated line-calling.
  • The Australian Open and US Open have already adopted electronic line-calling, Wimbledon joined in 2025, and the ATP Tour removed line judges across events this season.
  • The FFT points to clay-specific mark inspection and a deep national officiating system, noting 404 match officials worked at the 2025 event, including 284 from France.
  • FFT leaders say they intend to keep human judges as long as possible, adding they could revisit the policy only if players were united in demanding a switch.
  • The decision comes as electronic systems face scrutiny after glitches at Wimbledon and Toronto, even as human calls at the 2025 French Open also prompted high-profile disputes.