Gilles Moretton’s opponent in the election for the presidency of the FFT intends to keep a French tradition of arbitration for the next Roland-Garros. He assumes his “isolation” in the face of all electronics, to which Wimbledon recently sacrificed
You are a candidate for the presidency of the FFT, which organizes one of the four Grand Slams. After the Australian Open and the US Open, Wimbledon announced on October 9 the disappearance of line judges. What is your position on this sensitive subject?
Our position is very clear: we will do everything possible to maintain the line judges at Roland-Garros. The “mass” was said for the ATP and WTA tournaments. For Wimbledon too. It is important to put people at the center of the French Open. Roland-Garros is a symbol of tradition. It’s an event that shines. I understood, through contact with club presidents – many of whom are referees or referees – that Roland-Garros constitutes an extraordinary emulation for these referees who come from local training. For the majority of them, Roland-Garros is a Holy Grail. It creates a virtuous circle. It makes young referees dream.
Did you really feel this fear during your campaign?
Absolutely, we are talking about a multi-generational community. In Roland, the linesmen who officiate are between 18 and 65 years old. This is very important in terms of emulation and motivation. Whether among volunteers or among teachers, we are suffering from a certain shortage today. There is a vocation crisis. Removing the line judges at Roland-Garros would be an additional element of demotivation.
Are you highlighting a sort of French exception?
I advocate this French exception. I advocate maintaining and respecting this tradition. If linesmen became the guarantors of the sport for which we have this passion, let’s say banco! To use a famous expression: “As president, I will keep the linesmen.”
This doesn’t mean that you would deprive yourself of the famous hawk-eye?
Maintaining tradition should not exclude the use of technology. It’s the human who decides. We know that there are traces on clay. If there is an error by a line judge, it can be corrected by the chair umpire. If there is any doubt, we can rely on technology. Tradition does not mean exclusion of modernity.
We feel that this is a subject that is particularly close to your heart…
Tennis is all about inclusion. The more people are put at the center of major events, the more we will contribute to conveying this social bond. If the French Open could assert itself as the bastion or guarantor of traditional tennis values, I would be interested. Clubs are at the heart of our commitment. The FFT must do everything possible to ensure that clubs can welcome all audiences and be centers of attraction for new players within the tennis ecosystem. Today, a club needs qualified teachers, volunteers but also referees for our multiple competitions. It is essential that the Federation gives the tools and ingredients to clubs so that they can attract new referees and encourage vocations.
How do you explain that Gilles Moretton did not take a position on this sensitive subject?
Perhaps because of temporality. There are short-term electoral issues. This is a divisive subject that can have repercussions on votes.
