Moretton discusses line judges at Roland-Garros: "The Monte-Carlo tournament proves us right to keep them"

© AFP

Clément Gehl

le 17/04/2025 à 13h55

1 min to read

Roland Garros

This Thursday morning, the Roland-Garros tournament press conference took place, an opportunity to announce the tournament's new features.

However, one thing that remains unchanged is the presence of line judges. While they are gradually disappearing, Gilles Moretton, president of the French Tennis Federation, justified their continued role.

"We are a federation of clubs and licensed players, with competitions every weekend and referees working daily.

And I say this with all modesty—we are the best country when it comes to supplying referees on the circuit.

I would even say that the Monte-Carlo tournament proves us right, especially after hearing about the mixed reactions from players, some of whom questioned whether the machine was wrong despite having the mark right in front of them.

I think it’s 50-50; I won’t go into details. In any case, the federation’s stance is to keep the referees for as long as we can.

The ATP and WTA have made their decision, but ultimately, it’s the players who decide. And if the players unanimously agree, they could refuse to play without the machine—though that’s not the case currently on clay courts."