In the Blake-Gonzalez Olympic semifinal match, why couldn't they use the replay system to check for a touch?

Question

Shotspot (or whatever equivalent system they use in the Olympics) is able to track the ball's entire flight from one player's racquet to the other with accuracy within millimeters. So on that point where the umpire didn't see the ball touch Gonzalez's racquet yet TV replays clearly show that it does, I would think a quick replay through Shotspot could confirm the ball's change in direction. Even a slight change in direction would interrupt the ball's smooth flight and be obvious as an angle in the flight path.

Even if it turns out that you can only use it to challenge line calls, I think Blake should have done it to show the crowd that he was in the right on that dispute and perhaps get them on his side for the rest of the match.

Answer 1

Even I wondered!

And also, they were on the centre court

Did they have all their challenges remaining?

If yes,it was complete stupidity from Blake's side

Answer 2

It's funny because this situation came at the same time when Michael Phelps won his seventh Olympic gold medal in a very very close race with Milorad Cavic of Serbia, with Cavic appearing to actually touch the wall first before Phelps.  In both scenarios, they did not allow for video replay.

Answer 3

Absolutely right! Blake should have challenged! He lost the match because of this stupid mistake! Gonzo doesn't deserve a silver OR gold medal.. CHEATING!

Answer 4

Blake did ask if he could use the hawk-eye and the umpire said no; and I don't blame him as he has to abide by the rules which, like you said, state that it can only be used to challenge line calls. I think it's because they try to prevent players from abusing the technology (like when they decided to limit the number of unsuccessful challenges). It's a bit frustrating, but these things happen all the time and they are part of every sport.

Answer 5

I think a replay wud of been sufficient, hawkeye in inaccurate to up to 5mm anyway. But yeah, its not Blakes fault its against the rules but the umpire should have been able to make an exception and ask to see a replay. Would not of been hard.

Answer 6

they should have

Answer 7

Basically, if you see the replay, the ball does not appear to change direction. Even if it did slightly touch the racket, It does not mean that Gonzalez actually felt it. He could of just felt it st if it were close to the racket. After all, there is always the human factor, especially if it is a close call. Another thing is that anybody who has ever followed Gonzalez knows that there is no history of him cheating to win anything in the past. Blake is on the other hand is known as a complainer. It was not a decicive moment on the game. If Blake, being a porfessional tenis player can´t keep his concentration to spite the judges decision then what does it matter anyways?  

Answer 8

This is ridiculous. Get over it. Blake lost, and that's it. Gonzalez won 3 MATCH POINTS Blake failed to convert. Gonzalez wasn't sure about the ball hitting his racket, and that's why he didn't call it. He explained that he saw the ball coming to his body, and thought Blake was a little bit pissed 'cause in the second set he hit on his body, and maybe Blake was trying to do the same. So he just tried to move from the ball, and didn't feel anything. What would have Blake done if he was on his position? c'mon...And you're crying over one single point. It didn't change the entire outcome of the match. He's just a bad loser. You're all bad losers. Learn from Federer, he's a true gentleman.

I'm happy he lost the bronze medal, by the way.