PRESS RELEASE: The ITF announced today that it is further increasing the use of electronic line-calling review in its official team competitions, Davis Cup by BNP Paribas and Fed Cup by BNP Paribas, starting with this weekend’s Fed Cup World Group first round ties on 4-5 February.
In 2012, the Hawk-Eye Officiating system will be used in all rounds of the Davis Cup and Fed Cup World Group. The decision was taken by the ITF Board of Directors at its meeting in November 2011.
The ITF previously extended its use of electronic review in 2011 to include the Davis Cup quarterfinals and Fed Cup semifinals. The system is only used on ties played on hard court and grass court.
Electronic review was first used in Davis Cup at the 2006 Final between Russia and Argentina in Moscow. Its use was extended to the Fed Cup Final in 2007 and the Davis Cup semifinals in 2010.
ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said: “The increased use of electronic review in our major team competitions reflects their status in the tennis calendar, and the expectations among fans. It was another extremely successful year for Davis Cup and Fed Cup in 2011, with strong player participation, good attendance and excellent media coverage.”
Juan Margets, ITF Executive Vice President and Chairman of the Davis Cup Committee, added: “We have received a positive response from our National Associations, team captains and players on our increased use of electronic review, and we believe it is important to continue this progress in our team competitions.”