Federer Whines and Wins at Wimbledon Despite Hawk-Eye

Breakfast at Wimbledon did not disappoint. Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal (again). Nadal, the 21 year old Spaniard, who has defeated Federer at the French Open came on to the court with a determined look. The Swiss four time Wimbledon Champion, Roger Federer had the air of someone who had already won. It did not take long before it was apparent that tennis fans were in for a treat.

A tiebreak was necessary to settle the first set in FedererÕs favor. The tension rose when Nadal took the second set, 4-6. Federer won the third set and the scowl on his face lightened. The fourth set was all Rafael Nadal, 2-6 and Roger Federer found himself facing a fifth set. In four straight Wimbledon victories Federer had never been pushed to a fifth set. Early in the fourth set the Hawk-Eye system became an issue.

In the third game of the fourth set Nadal challenged a line shot that Federer was certain had been out. The crowd watched the screen as it showed a digital ball barely strike a digital line. The umpire called it in. Roger was not impressed.

According to the BBC the Hawk-Eye system consists of five high-speed cameras mounted on the roof and around Center Court. Constant video is taken of the game in progress. The five videos are merged through the miracles of technology in to one 3D representation of the ball in flight and where it lands. Hawk-Eye is advertised to be accurate to 3 millimeters and a commentator said it was 90% accurate.

A poll was taken before the U.S. Open began using the system and Federer made it clear he felt Hawk-Eye was unnecessary. In the fifth set today his dislike of the system became evident to everyone watching the match on TV.

Federer stalked over to Umpire Carlos Ramos and questioned the results of the Hawk-Eye System. A moment later the television camera caught Roger sitting and ranting to himself in true passive aggressive style. I made out the phrase, "I do not believe that was in."

Federer had a disgusted look whenever Nadal made a challenge. He also made the same face when he, himself made a challenge. At least he was consistent in his dislike of Hawk-Eye.

Still, it would be very hard for any of us to pout if we were on the way to another million or so dollars. Winning our fifth, in a row, Wimbledon Championship would make it difficult to moan. Buck up Roger, Hawk-Eye is here to stay and it seems so are you.