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Wimbledon 2021 Unlikely to Implement Novak Djokovic’s Revolutionary Demand Says British Legend

Serbian World No. 1 Novak Djokovic outspokenly advocates for technology against line judges in tennis. Undoubtedly, it also seems to be ideal as the world fights the horror of coronavirus outbreak. But Tim Henman, former British No.1 and Wimbledon committee member, spoke against the removal of linespersons at Wimbledon Championships 2021.

The six-time Grand Slam semi-finalist did not disagree with the success rate of Hawkeye. However, he explains that the line judges are an integral part of the tradition of the sport.

Read More: Wimbledon Championships Headed for Massive Revamp After Purchase of Neighbouring Golf Course

Henman disagrees with Djokovic’s idea of tennis without line judges

Novak Djokovic, 33, reasons the technological use as the medium to make tennis competent alongside other sports. Agreeing with him, the Australian Open hosted the tournaments without any linesperson this year.

Novak Djokovic
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 18, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning his semi final match against Russia’s Aslan Karatsev REUTERS/Jaimi Joy

But Henman believes that the use of both Hawkeye and the linesperson would be an ideal choice. Furthermore, he explained why he favors the traditional way.

“I enjoy the human element, the interaction between players and line judges and players selecting when to challenge,” Henman said. “And sometimes, if those challenges have been used up and they don’t have any more challenges left, I like that.”

Moreover, Henman added that the community of line judges, umpires, who are involved in the game of tennis at the highest level, would take a hit. It would also make the opportunities in the sport very limited.

“If we were just to be using Hawkeye live, I think the interesting opportunity for people to be involved in that sphere declines, and the incentive is not going to be there,” the Brit said.

Conclusively, the 46-year-old agreed that Hawkeye live would be an opportunity if Wimbledon has to limit the people. But in his personal opinion, Henman would like to have Hawkeye with the umpires and the line judges.

Read More: “It Gives the Sport More Value”: Rafael Nadal Disagrees with Novak Djokovic on Scrapping Line Judges

Novak Djokovic and his controversial relationship with line judges

Djokovic undisputedly has his name written in gold in the bad books of line judges. To add fuel to that fire, he accidentally hit a linesperson in the throat and saw a disqualification at the US Open last year.

Novak Djokovic - US Open
SEPTEMBER 06: Novak Djokovic of Serbia tends to a line judge Laura Clark who was hit with the ball during his Men’s Singles fourth round match against Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain on Day Seven of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 6, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The 18-time Grand Slam champion does not shy away from expressing his views. In fact, he is always for ways to improve the sport and the conditions for the professional players.

Will Wimbledon go Djokovic way, or Henman’s way is still a question. But only time would answer that question.

What do you think about the removal of lines judges from tennis?

Also Read: Is Wimbledon 2021 Last Chance for Roger Federer To Win a Slam?

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