Chaos at the US Open with the VAR: it doesn't work!

The new technological support, which represents one of the great novelties of this 2023 edition, did not work when it was called into question in the match between Andy Murray and Corentin Moutet


by LORENZO CIOTTI

Chaos at the US Open with the VAR: it doesn't work!
Chaos at the US Open with the VAR: it doesn't work! © Clive Brunskill / Staff Getty Images Sport

Chaos at the Us Open with the first tests of the VAR Video Assistant Referee. The new technological support, which represents one of the great novelties of this 2023 edition, did not work when it was called into question in the match between Andy Murray and Corentin Moutet.

The dubious situation was a possible double rebound on a volley in recovery by the Frenchman: the chair umpire called the second touch but the Frenchman wanted to review. Images began to be projected from the court, which would seem to somewhat confirm the initial decision, then the bitter truth: "What you see is a television replay, the Var is not available and therefore the call remains on the court," explained the referee, who definitively awarded the point to the British champion.

Moutet certainly didn't take it well and, after a few complaints, he resumed playing.

Here is in which cases and where he will be able to intervene

In a note, the organizers of the tournament explained how the new technological support will work: "Through the Video Review Technology, the referees will have the possibility to review the images and make the correct decision in cases of double bounce.

The Var can also be used to evaluate a possible invasion at the moment of the touch on the net, the so-called foot foul on the serve and the disturbed point (a case that happened precisely in Wimbledon between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner).

Video Review Technology will only be available on the five major courts in Flushing Meadows: Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong, Grandstand, Court 5 and Court 17." The debut was decidedly not the best: the instrument will have to redo itself in the next appointments.

In the next days it will be more clear if the new technological support will have overcome the firsts troubles, if called by the tennis player to review a controversial moment of the match. Here is the video of the controversial double bounce of the ball in the match between Murray and Moutet, and shared on X by @SuperTennisTv:

Us Open Andy Murray Corentin Moutet