The 2022 edition of the Mexican Tennis Open was historic in many ways, but one of the things that should be highlighted the most is that for the first time in the history of the ATP, dThe women were the judges who were in charge of leading the finals of a tournament; Well, in Acapulco, Raluca Alexandra Andrei was in the chair for the doubles duel, while Aurelie Tourte did so in the match between Rafael Nadal and Cameron Norrie.
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This had never happened, because although they had been assigned women in finalseven a Grand Slam, was never in both games, both doubles and singles.
THE EXPERIENCED TOURTE
French judge Aurelie Tourte, who was part of the final between Rafael Nadal and Cameron Norrie is an old acquaintance on the circuit. Tourte has held the gold badge since 2017, which is the highest rank that allows him to referee in all types of matches, including Grand Slams.
His rank has allowed him to be in different tournaments, but at 37 years old he got the honor of refereeing the final of Roland Garros last year, when Novak Djokovic faced Stefanos Tsitsipas, after eliminating Nadal in the semifinals.
“I don’t know if I chose to go into refereeing or if refereeing chose me… but one thing is certain, andIt is that the passion and love for tennis led us to continue in this direction”Tourte tells in an interview for Eurosport last year.
The path of the French judge began on the other side, on the track, however practicing sports exceeded his limits, one day he came to the chair by chance and the rest is history.
Being one of the most important judges, Tourte confessed that it is not easy to reach to where it is locatedbecause tennis continues to be a male world.
“When you start refereeing, you don’t think about being a woman, because it’s a hobby. But then a competition arises. But we are clearly in a masculine universe. On and off the field, you have to make your place, show that you are as capable as the boys. But the advantage is that at a high level we are less. This advantage allowed me to get there faster,” he explained.
RALUCA ALEXANDRA HAS A CONNECTION WITH ACAPULCO
be part of the Mexican Tennis Open It was just one of the reasons why Raluca Alexandra Andrei traveled to Acapulco, since the Romanian judge chose our country to celebrate her wedding in the middle of the week, before she refereed the doubles final.
During the award ceremony in which the trophy was presented to Stefanos Tsitsipas and Feliciano Lopez, Raul Zurutuzadirector of the tournament, gave the traditional recognition to the judge at the time that he told that he was married, for which he received a standing ovation from the GNP Arena.
The foregoing sets a precedent that seeks to open the way for more women judges to reach the most important matches on the circuit. ANDn 2015 they had already led two at the US OpenHowever, on that occasion they refereed the men’s and women’s, in an ATP tournament it had never happened.
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HOW IS A CHAIR JUDGE SELECTED IN ACAPULCO?
The judges who wish to be part of the Mexican Tennis Open must respond to a call and then pass a selection process.
Usually 55 foreigners and 20 Mexicans are elected, but it all depends on the degree that each of the candidates have.
Originally posted on IT online
