What device do chair judges wear on their heads during the 2024 French Open at Roland-Garros Stadium?

When we look back on the first week of the 2024 French Open at Roland-Garros, we might think about the numerous rain delays or crowd cheers during points that seemed more frequent than usual. However, most observers saw this as well intrigued by the devices worn on the heads of referees on main court Philippe Chatrier.

Front cameras bring viewers closer to the action at Roland-Garros Stadium

Instead of helping you make decisions, as HawkEye does at other tournaments, the devices actually do it cameras (head-mounted camerasif you prefer), which according to the French Tennis Federation “brings (television) viewers even closer to the action, enabling them to learn about the referees’ responsibilities as well as their interactions with the players.”

The footage from the cameras is incorporated into TV channels so viewers can watch it at home an immersive Roland-Garros experience. If you’ve always wondered what it’s like to be a referee (and why wouldn’t you?), you don’t have to wonder anymore.

Why isn’t HawkEye used at the French Open?

Cameras offer armchair supporters an insight into how difficult it can be to decide a match at the French Openwhere referees can often be seen stretching and flexing their necks to check whether the ball was inside or outside due to HawkEye is not usedas is the case in many other tournaments.

Though pure and simple tradition was cited by some as the reason for the lack of technology in Paris, several other clay court events followed suit, including the marks left by the ball on the clay were still considered sufficient for linesmen and the referees themselves to make correct decisions.

The introduction of head cameras is one of several new features at this year’s tournament, and another one is the new retractable roof Court Suzanne Lenglen Court, the second stadium after Philippe Chatrier. Can we count 14-time champion Rafael Nadal’s first-round defeat as another one?