Electronic Line Calling Approved by ITF

Yes! Recall that earlier in the year the USTA announced it would not use electronic line calling at the 2005 US Open, and the other Grand Slams followed suit. Now, however, comes word that the International Tennis Federation has certified an electronic line calling system called "Hawk-Eye Officiating." This is great news! Hat tip to the On The Baseline blog for the story. I heard about this during the coverage of the Kremlin Cup final on The Tennis Channel on Sunday. Apparently it is now up to the tournament organizers to install the technology and decide how to utilize the information. (Does the player get limited challenges of line calls? Unlimited? Do they lose a point if they are wrong? Every time?) Hopefully, the 2006 Australian Open will be the first Grand Slam to install the system and set a standard for its use in the majors.