How does VAR work in tennis? Andy Murray brands first use of technology a ‘farce’ after malfunction at US Open

The US Open has become the first tennis Grand Slam to use a ‘Video Assistant Review’ system to assist umpires when a call is challenged. 

The new technology has been introduced for the tournament in New York after being used at multiple ATP events already. 

2

However, after its debut use during Andy Murray’s first-round win against Corentin Moutin, controversy has already taken over. 

Murray branded the system ‘a farce’ after the umpire’s tablet failed to work after opponent Moutet had challenged a call.

So after a rough start for VAR at the US Open, marvelbet369.com takes a look at how it should work…

How does VAR work in tennis? 

VAR has been introduced to tennis to help umpires when a player challenges a call. 

READ MORE ON TENNIS

Bizarre moment Chris Eubanks ran off court MID RALLY as he was desperate for the loo

'Beer chug girl' whose video went viral has moved into new career when denied 'three-peat'

The system allows players to challenge a whole variety of decisions during a game, such as foul shots or double bounces. 

It uses a range of different camera angles to get the best view of the incident and the VAR official will send the video to a screen on the umpire’s chair and in the stadium. 

Umpires will then review the video via a tablet to determine if the original call was incorrect and should be overturned. 

If there is no clear evidence of the call being incorrect, the initial decision stands. 

Most read in Sport

Ronnie O'Sullivan sparks fresh retirement fears with plans to leave UK

talkSPORT betting tips - Best racing bets and expert advice for Newmarket 1000 Guineas

'Been awful' - O'Sullivan gives candid interview after 31-year low in defeat

O'Sullivan falls victim to 19-year first before Crucible defeat confirmed

At the US Open, each player will have three challenges per set available to them before having another made available during tiebreaks. 

VAR will also be used to monitor player behaviour with umpires able to review certain situations to see if a player has committed a code of conduct violation. 

2

It was first put into use in New York during Murray’s first-round clash against Moutet but it did not go very smoothly.

Moutet challenged a double bounce called against him during a game in which Murray was serving for the match.

A long delay followed as the umpire struggled to watch the instant replay of the incident with the review said to be ‘not working’.

Speaking about the new technology post-match, Murray made his feelings known. 

He said: "It took about four minutes to make a decision.

"I'm pro using technology to get to the right calls - but you've got to have it working. When it goes like that, it turns into a bit of a farce."

Murray went on to win the game after being awarded the controversial point but admitted his confusion about the VAR technology. 

"I knew there is VR, I don't know how they use it," he continued. 

"Maybe it wasn't on the umpire's tablet but it was on the big screens where they are showing multiple different angles and it is pretty clear from the second angle it had bounced twice.

"I don't know who makes the call because she said it wasn't available to her so went to the original call.

"I'm pleased the original call stood and I got the point."