US Open 2023: Andy Murray calls VAR debut a ‘farce’

US Open 2023: Andy Murray calls VAR debut a ‘farce’

Britain’s Andy Murray has described Video Assist Review (VAR) as a ‘farce’ after the technology failed during its debut in tennis at the US Open. 

When Murray severed his opponent Corentin Moutet requested the technology to check a double bounce which was called against him by umpire Louise Engzell.

The official pulled out a table to watch an instant replay of the incident. But following a long delay, the umpire announced the VAR technology was “not working.” 

“It took about four minutes to make a decision,” said Murray, who was 15-30 down in a game where he was serving for the match.

“I’m pro using technology to get to the right calls – but you’ve got to have it working. When it goes like that, it turns into a bit of a farce.”

The umpire being unable to see the replays on her personal screen meant she could not make a ruling, despite the big screens inside the Grandstand court at Flushing Meadows showing her, the players and the crowd what had happened. 

“This is supposed to be the official feed,” Engzell told the two players as she pointed to her tablet.

“I have nothing here. VR has stopped working.”

The US Open introduced the system for chair umpires to be able to immediately check incidents – double bounces, hindrance and a player touching the ball or the net – if they are challenged by a player.

“I knew there is VR, I don’t know how they use it,” said Murray, who levelled at 30-30 after the decision and went on to serve out the match in the same game.

“Maybe it wasn’t on the umpire’s tablet but it was on the big screens where they are showing multiple different angles and it is pretty clear from the second angle it had bounced twice.

“I don’t know who makes the call because she said it wasn’t available to her so went to the original call.

“I’m pleased the original call stood and I got the point.”