If Djokovic has his way, line judges are no longer needed

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Novak Djokovic 

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CHRISTIAN HARTMANN / REUTERS

The world number one Novak Djokovic has spoken out in favor of the abolition of line judges in tennis.

The technology is now so advanced that you can rely on a video surveillance system, said the 33-year-old Serb in Paris at the French Open.

"With all due respect for the tradition and culture of our sport, when it comes to the people on the pitch, including the linesmen, I see no reason why not all tournaments in the world use a system like the one we did in Cincinnati to New York have used the rescheduled tournament, "said Djokovic.

There had been no line judges there, but video surveillance of the lines on Center Court.

Although this would result in additional costs, the development towards technical support could not be stopped anyway.

"Ball boys, of course, but linesman, I can't remember why," said the number one in the world.

Djokovic had been disqualified at the US Open in New York because he had knocked the ball away in frustration and hit a line judge.

Is that also a reason why he speaks out in favor of abolishing the linesmen?

"Then the risk would not be so great that I would do what happened to me in New York," said Djokovic.

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