Keep an Eye on the Hawk-Eye at 2009 U.S. Open
The 2009 U.S. Open will be the second year tennis fans can look forward to the Hawk-Eye technology. The innovation was first used in 2007 and proved to be highly favored among fans and players, thus an embracing return of the technology in the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
The Hawk-Eye, a relatively new tool in tennis, provides an illustration of the path of the ball as a graphic image. Initially developed to give fans watching at home an ability to see the instant replay, the concept is now used as part of the judging process in many tennis events, including the U.S. Open.
Having passed the standards of the International Tennis Federation (ITF), players are permitted two challenges per set and along with the fans within the stadium and watching at home, the graphic instant replay is shown on the large screens. According to Gadgetopia.com, the technology is so popular with fans, that the 3D replay is delayed a few seconds in order to generate suspense.
Hawk-Eye’s Web site shows a popularity among tennis players themselves, including favorable quotes from such greats as John McEnroe, Jason Goodall and Andy Roddick. However, the technology is not without its doubters or its controversy.
During the 2007 Dubai Tennis Championships, Rafael Nadal’s ball was declared out by the umpire. His challenger, Mikhail Youzhny, called in the use of Hawk-Eye, which agreed with the umpire. Nadal insisted the replay would have clearly shown the ball to be in if Hawk-Eye had taken into consideration the type of ground on which the match was being played.
In another gaffe, Hawk-Eye did not accommodate a second bounce of the ball during a 2009 Indian Wells Masters quarterfinals match. The replay showed the ball landing on the center of the line, while regular camera replays showed the ball was out.
However, during the 2004 U.S. Open, Hawk-Eye’s use in the tournament led to the discharge of umpire Mariana Alves, who made numerous mistaken calls during the match between Jennifer Capriati and Serena Williams.
Regardless of the controversies surrounding Hawk-Eye, it continues to be a staple of tennis matches. During ITF testing in 2006, 100 percent of the tests proved to be accurate. The margin of error (relative to the diameter of the ball, which is 65 to 68 millimeters) for the technology is .5 percent, and experts note the “fluff” on the tennis ball is also .5 percent of its diameter, making Hawk-Eye nearly perfect in its calls. Hawk-Eye is also designed to take into consideration such factors as wind, sunlight, court shadows, darkness and court floodlights.
Seemingly correct more often than not, Hawk-Eye is a majority-ruled favorite of both tennis fans and players alike. The giant screens of Arthur Ashe Stadium are sure to bring some trepidation and enthusiasm to all those watching while Hawk-Eye makes the ultimate call.
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