SubscribeThe NFL allows coaches to ask referees to review certain plays using video. The NBA uses instant-replay to check whether a last second shot counts or not. Technology has helped officials in both leagues, and technology is now also helping officials on the tennis tour.
Hawk-eye, which was first used only unofficially during instant replays on the TV broadcast were certified for use in the professional tennis tour back in 2006. The 2006 US Open was the first Grand Slam tournament to ever implement hawk-eye, and though its use has been controversial at times, it has proven to be quite a success.
Hawk-eye uses at least four high-speed cameras placed at different locations around the venue, capturing and tracking the ball from different angles. All the data is processed using a high-speed video processor and a ball tracker.
Hawk-eye provides more accurate line calling that helps the umpire, the linesmen, and the players themselves. Like the NBA and the NFL, which restricts the use of instant-replay to certain circumstances, professional tennis also limits the number of times a player can challenge a call with Hawk-eye.
The Hawk-eye technology used in the professional tennis circuit is owned by Hawk-eye innovations Ltd.
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