Grand Slam events are gearing up for their 2026 tournaments.
Roland Garros has identified three necessary changes following considerable criticism after this year’s event.
One key issue was the exclusion of women from night sessions, a point that remains unaddressed.
French Open Faces Criticism for Retaining Line Judges in 2026
Roland Garros has announced it will continue using line judges for the 2026 tournament, opting against electronic line calling.
This decision keeps Roland Garros as the last Grand Slam to employ human line judges, while Wimbledon has adopted electronic line calling for 2025, joining both the Australian Open and the US Open.
The announcement has sparked backlash, with many tennis enthusiasts criticizing Roland Garros for seeming unwilling to evolve. Comments on social media reflect sentiments of obstinacy and nostalgia for an outdated system.
French Tennis Federation President Justifies Roland Garros’ Decision
Gilles Moretton, President of the French Tennis Federation, defended the decision in a statement, asserting that France excels in providing trained officials. He acknowledged that while they prefer to keep line judges, they would consider switching to electronic systems if players demanded it.
The French Open is set to proceed without electronic line calling when the tournament takes place from May 24 to June 7, 2026. While many fans disagree with this decision, a few appreciate retaining tradition and the drama of human officiating.
