Emma Navarro has called on tennis authorities to expand the use of video replay technology after a controversial double bounce incident during her match against world No. 2 Iga Swiatek. The missed call became a flashpoint during the second set of Navarro’s 6-1, 6-2 defeat, but the eighth-seeded American refused to blame Swiatek for the incident, instead focusing on the need for clearer rules.
The incident: Double bounce or fair play?
The controversy unfolded during the fifth game of the second set, where Swiatek appeared to pick up a drop shot after the ball had bounced twice. The point continued, with the Pole ultimately winning the rally and breaking Navarro’s serve. Navarro immediately questioned the call, requesting chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore to review the play using video technology.
However, Navarro was informed that video replay could only be used if the point was challenged immediately after the double bounce occurred.
“I asked her after the point if I could see a replay, and she said, I played it, so I couldn’t see it,” Navarro explained.
The missed call proved pivotal as Swiatek used the momentum to win the next three games and close out the match.
Navarro defends Swiatek
Despite the backlash Swiatek faced on social media for not stopping play herself, Navarro came to her opponent’s defense.
“Like I said, it happened so fast. I don’t know if she knew or not. Ultimately, it’s up to the ref to make the call,” Navarro said.
Navarro emphasized that the incident wasn’t about faulting any player but about ensuring fair play through better rules.
“It’s tough to place blame on anybody. It’s a tough call. I think the rules should be different. We should be able to look at it afterwards and decide,” she added.
Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, also addressed the incident in her post-match press conference, stating she was unaware of the double bounce during the rally.
“I didn’t know it hit the surface twice,” Swiatek said.
A call for rule changes
Navarro’s frustration highlights a larger debate in tennis: the limited scope of video replay technology. Currently, replays can only be used during points if players stop play to challenge a call in real time. Navarro argues that such rules place an unfair burden on players to react instantaneously in fast-paced scenarios.
“Everything happens so fast. Reacting that quickly isn’t as easy as people think,” Navarro explained.
Her call for allowing post-point reviews would align tennis with other sports like cricket, where technology can intervene after the fact to correct critical errors.
The road ahead
While Navarro’s proposal has yet to gain official traction, the incident underscores the growing demand for modernizing tennis officiating. As technology becomes more integral to sports, tennis may need to adapt to ensure fairness in key moments.
For now, Navarro’s focus remains on her game, but her remarks could spark broader conversations about the future of officiating in tennis.