Video Review Overturns Call In Opening Match At Nitto ATP Finals

Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour

Technology came into play in the first match of the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals.

Top seeds Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek led Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni 6-4, 3-1, with the Argentines serving at 30/15. Gonzalez, who was less than a metre from the net, reflexed a backhand volley through the middle of the court. Chair umpire Aurelie Tourte called a touch on Krajicek, who attempted to move his racquet out of the way as the ball flew by.

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Upon video review, which was first featured at the Nitto ATP Finals in 2020, it was deemed Krajicek had not touched the ball and they replayed the point.

“It's awesome for us as players to have that video review available, especially in doubles, where things happen so fast,” Krajicek told ATPTour.com. “Obviously it's super difficult for the referees as well to make the right call sometimes on some difficult things like not-ups and in particular, the touch that I had today that was overturned. Those kinds of things can sway a match.”

When they replayed the point, Dodig missed a return into the net, so the call did not ultimately impact the result. However, Krajicek was happy to have video review to at least ensure the correct call was made.

“It didn't affect the outcome of the point today, but I've had several this year where there were huge moments in tie-breaks and obviously with our format, it's a third-set tie-break and there's obviously a lot of points and money on the line here,” Krajicek said. “So to have that ability to challenge... I've had some tough not-ups this year that haven't been able to be reviewed, so it is a relief for us and we definitely are happy to have that available.”

Dodig and Krajicek won their match 6-4, 6-2.