Tennis Embraces Video Review to Enhance Fairness and Fan Experience

From Hawkeye to full video review, technology is transforming how tennis handles disputes and engages spectators

Mar. 21, 2026 at 11:04am

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The world of professional tennis is undergoing a technological revolution, with the increasing adoption of video review systems to enhance fairness and improve the spectator experience. Recent incidents, like the controversial hindrance call in the Jack Draper vs. Daniil Medvedev match at Indian Wells, have accelerated this shift. While line calls have always been a source of debate, the introduction of video review is changing the game, with the ATP Tour preparing to implement it at all events by next season.

Why it matters

The growing use of video review technology in tennis signifies a broader acceptance of leveraging technology to improve officiating accuracy and provide a better experience for fans. Beyond just resolving line call disputes, video review is being applied to assess potential 'hindrance' situations, demonstrating the evolving application of these systems.

The details

For years, tennis has relied on systems like Hawkeye to challenge line calls. However, the scope is expanding, with the US Open beginning video reviews in 2023 and the Australian Open following suit in 2025. The Draper-Medvedev incident highlighted the use of video review to determine if a player's actions constituted a hindrance that distracted their opponent. This shows how video technology is being used beyond just line calls.

  • The US Open began utilizing video reviews in 2023.
  • The Australian Open implemented video reviews in 2025.
  • The ATP Tour plans to introduce video reviews at all events by next season.

The players

Jack Draper

A professional tennis player who was involved in a controversial hindrance call incident with Daniil Medvedev at Indian Wells.

Daniil Medvedev

A professional tennis player who successfully used the video review system after Draper raised his arms, signaling a disputed call, and was deemed to have distracted his opponent.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The ATP Tour is likely to consider modifications to the hindrance rule to prevent similar controversies in the future.

The takeaway

The increasing use of video review technology in tennis is not just about resolving disputes, but also about making the game more accessible and engaging for fans. From visual indicators on scoreboards to expanding access to qualifying events, tennis is embracing technology to enhance the overall spectator experience.