ATP gives a massive rule update after recent ELC controversy involving chair umpire and Taylor

The ATP has finally given its ruling about the controversial technical errors in the Cincinnati Open first-round match between Taylor Fritz and fellow compatriot Brandon Nakashima. Fritz went on to lose the match 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(4).

Fritz was behind after losing the first set but gained control of the second set. During a rally in the second set, a forehand from Nakashima was out (later confirmed) as Fritz stopped the play for a moment. However, since there was no calm from chair umpire Greg Allensworth, players continued with the rally. After a few shots later, the chair umpire stopped the game.

He requested that the point be replayed due to technical errors with the Live Electronic Line-Calling System (ELS). Fritz was frustrated at Allensworth’s decision, as he argued that the ball was out. The umpire agreed with Fritz’s argument but claimed the American would have called on him after the ball had gone out.

Fritz appealed for the point, but it was not granted to him. On Thursday (August 15), the ATP ruled on the controversial decision. The governing body of men’s tennis stressed that if a ball had gone out during a rally but was not called the ELS, the decision would stand.

ATP Officiating Update: After recent technical issues with Live ELC in Montreal and Cincinnati, we have conducted a thorough review of our protocols. Going forward, if the Review Official determines during a rally that a ball was out earlier in the point (but was not called by the system), that decision will stand.

ATP’s statement via X read

ATP Officiating Update: After recent technical issues with Live ELC in Montreal and Cincinnati, we have conducted a thorough review of our protocols. Going forward, if the Review Official determines during a rally that a ball was out earlier in the point (but was not called by…

— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 15, 2024

Fritz has won only one match since winning the doubles bronze at the Paris Olympics alongside his partner Tommy Paul. He exited the second round of the Canadian Open after losing to Sebastian Korda 4-6, 6-7.

Taylor Fritz’s hopes for featuring in the ATP Finals were dealt with a significant blow after two consecutive early losses

Taylor Fritz’s participation at the Nitto ATP Finals dream has suffered a massive blow following his back-to-back early defeats at the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Masters. The American, who has won two titles this season, is currently in the No. 10 position in the ATP Finals live Race.

The prestigious season-ending ATP event picks only the best eight players in the year to compete for the title. Taylor has 2,590 points with significant grounds to cover if he should make the list. In No. 8 is Alex de Minaur with 2,905 points, while Jannik Sinner leads the race to Turin.

In addition, World No.12 Fritz will drop further in his ranking position after failing to defend his 200 points at the Cincinnati Open. He reached the quarterfinals of the tournament last year before losing to Novak Djokovic in three sets. He will be overtaken from his position by World No.14 Ben Shelton and No. 15 Sebastian Korda.

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