Cameron Norrie and Lucas Pouille have both called for tennis to embrace video replay technology in matches after a contentious point during Norrie’s 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 second‑round victory against Pouille at the French Open.
During the third set of their contest on Court Suzanne Lenglen the umpire, Eva Asderaki, failed to notice the ball had bounced twice after a sweet drop volley from Pouille, with Norrie eventually winning the point.
The British player said the ball had spun backwards and was unsure about whether it had bounced twice, until he saw the replay post-match. Pouille noted that it is the job of the umpire to call a double bounce, not the player, and they should be able to consult a video replay.
“For me the double bounce with all the cameras there is on court, it should be easy to check, and that’s it. Then there is no problem,” Pouille said.
Norrie agreed. “I think that would be great,” he said. “There’s been so many different situations over my career where there’s been things happening, and I think it definitely can use it to our advantage. We have it there. We have the technology to do it. I don’t know why we’re not doing it in all aspects.” Pouille later argued that if umpires are not penalised after making mistakes, then players should not face punishments for minor transgressions. “The umpire can make a mistake. It’s human. It’s normal, but if she did a mistake, I’m not sure she’s going to take $15,000 for that,” he said.
In the early days of the tournament, Pouille has produced the most noteworthy stories. A former top‑10 player, the Frenchman has struggled badly with injuries and he tumbled down the rankings. In a recent interview with L’Equipe, he spoke about having depression and drinking heavily while at tournaments.
Currently ranked 675th, Pouille qualified for Roland Garros and then won his first-round match. Despite the positive vibes surrounding him, though, he could not consistently match the defence and intensity presented by Norrie, whose confidence continues to grow as he looks for his first French Open fourth round. Norrie will next face Lorenzo Musetti, the 17th seed.
“I feel good. There have been ups and downs recently, but I have a great team around me,” Norrie said. “We really want to play well at the grand slams. I definitely improved my game and performance from the first round and enjoyed the match more.”
Carlos Alcaraz continued to move through the French Open draw with a smile on his face even while battling difficult windy conditions. On Court Philippe-Chatrier, Alcaraz defeated Taro Daniel 6-1, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2. He will next face Denis Shapovalov, the 26th seed.
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“It was really difficult, the conditions with the wind was tough,” Alcaraz said. “You have to adapt your game as best as you can. I was focused on every shot, battling the wind as well. I played a great level and am really happy with my level with the wind.”
Alcaraz began in supreme form, controlling almost every exchange and dominating with his forehand before he briefly lost concentration early in the second set. He instantly reestablished his dominance in the third set until the end, finishing with 47 winners to Daniel’s 11.
Afterwards, Alcaraz was asked if he smiles so much because of how much he is winning or vice versa. He responded without hesitation: “I’m winning all the time because I am smiling,” he said. “And I always said that smiling for me is the key of everything. I enjoy being this kind of stadium, these kind of tournament, cities. That’s the most important for me to enjoy, and that’s why I smile all the time.”
