Pollard, Geoff, Pollard, Graham, Barnett, Tristan and Zeleznikow, John ORCID: 0000-0002-8786-2644 (2010) Applying Strategies to the Tennis Challenge System. Journal for Medicine Science and Tennis, 15 (1). pp. 12-15. ISSN 1567-2352

Abstract

The new challenge system for close line calls in tennis has been used on the ATP and WTA tour for grand slam events since the 2007 Australian Open, and was designed to increase fairness for players by obtaining accurate line calls and enhance spectator interest by using video technology. In the current system, players have unlimited opportunity to challenge, but once three incorrect challenges are made in a set, they cannot challenge again until the next set. If the set goes to a tiebreaker game, players are given additional opportunities to challenge (usually one extra). If the match is tied at six games all in an advantage set, the counter is reset with both players again having a limit of up to three incorrect challenges in the next 12 games, and this resetting process is repeated after every 12 games. Having limited incorrect challenges raises questions as to when players should use their challenges to maximize the chance of winning. If a player was to use their challenges at every reasonable opportunity in a set, then they run the risk of running out of challenges on points that could significantly make a difference to the outcome of the set. If a player was too cautious in using their challenges early in a set, then he/she could lose the set with challenges left over and perhaps become annoyed with himself/herself for not challenging earlier when the opportunities were there.

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