Jack Draper was docked a point for hindrance during his Indian Wells quarterfinal match.
The Briton waved his arms, surprised that his opponent, Daniil Medvedev, had landed the ball on the baseline.
Several shots later, Draper won the point, but after the video review, the umpire awarded the point to his Russian opponent.
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Players and pundits spoke out against the rule and the ability to challenge so long after the incident.
It looks like the ATP Tour have listened to those complaints…
Jon Wertheim says the ATP Tour has changed the hindrance challenge rule
Respected tennis journalist Jon Wertheim shared the two tennis rules that have changed on X.
“Two ATP Tour rule changes to watch,” he wrote.
“a) Video review of hindrance *after the point* (a la Medvedev/Draper)… (in effect no longer trialled).
“b) Video review challenges are unlimited *but* chair ‘will retain control over the process’ and has discretion to deny any unreasonable requests.”
According to Wertheim, players must immediately request a video review of a hindrance, rather than upon the conclusion of the point.
A good step forward, and one that will hopefully prevent further drama…
What did other players say about Indian Wells hindrance controversy?
Former top-30 star Steve Johnson called for a rule change in the aftermath of the incident.
“Any other sport, football, hockey, baseball, you can’t challenge a play prior,” he said.
“You’ve got to stop it at the moment.
“I think it will change that way, you don’t stop in the first ball, you can’t replay something.”
World number five Jessica Pegula was also keen to weigh in on the hindrance controversy.
“It’s a new rule that has changed this year,” she said.
“I think it’s kind of stupid to be able to go back and challenge something.
“For hindrance, it is a little weird that you can literally lose the point, five or six shots later, and go back.
“I just think it’s a bad rule. I don’t think he [Daniil Medvedev] meant to cheat the system, really.”
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova didn’t like the hindrance call either.
“I don’t agree with reviewing it, like, three points later. You need to, if it bothers you, you need to stop playing right there, and now you have an argument,” said Navratilova.
“It can become a little too complicated, but overall, I do like the video replay, because it rights wrongs.”
Navratilova, Pegula, and Johnson will surely be glad to hear the rule has changed!
ATP Tour deserve credit for moving fast
The ATP Tour receives its fair share of criticism.
Said criticism is often justified, in fairness, but it’s important to give credit where credit is due.
The tennis world spoke out against the hindrance call in Indian Wells, and the powers that be listened.
Now, the rule is no longer.
As we head into the Miami Open, there should be no such calls affecting games, and we have the ATP Tour to thank for that.
