The EFG Swiss Open Gstaad recently wrapped up, attracting tennis enthusiasts to the picturesque Saanenland. While the players basked in the glory and applause, it was the behind-thescenes crew – the umpires and linesmen – who kept the matches running smoother than Roger Federer’s backhand.

The Dynamic Duo: Eric and Marcel
At the helm of this well-oiled machine was head referee Eric Hamon, joined by the ever-vigilant linesman Marcel Bennet. With years of experience and a knack for spotting a foot fault from a mile away, these two were the unsung heroes ensuring the tournament’s success. Marcel, a veteran linesman of over 20 years, quipped, “We started with 36 linesmen, but as the week progressed, we lost a few to the rigorous selection process – it was like the Survivor of tennis officiating!”

The Secret Life of Linesmen
Marcel spilled the beans on what it took to survive and thrive as a linesman. “Starting your day well-rested and with a hearty breakfast was crucial. Think of it as prepping for battle – only with less armour and more eye strain.” Each match day kicked off with a team huddle, where the latest intel was shared. “It was like a team sport; we all needed to know our roles and, preferably, not get hit by any stray tennis balls,” he laughed.

Training for linesmen was no joke. It began at the national level and, with a bit of luck and a lot of squinting at baseline calls, could lead to international assignments. “I was a nervous wreck at first,” Marcel admitted, “but after 20 years, you got used to it. Plus, players usually argued with the main referee, not us, so we were off the hook most of the time!”

The Grading Game: Survival of the Fittest
The grading system was the ultimate test. Head referee Eric Hamon explained, “Every line call was scrutinised, and only the best made it to the final.” It was like the Hunger Games, but with less dystopia and more tennis whites. The system ensured that only the sharpest eyes and steadiest hands could call the shots in the prestigious final match.

Eric, a seasoned umpire with a love for the sport, said, “The key to being a good umpire was keeping your eye on the ball – literally. We had tricks of the trade, like recognising player’s movement patterns, which helped us stay ahead of the game.” Experience, he emphasised, was crucial. “There were techniques to maintain concentration and avoid getting stuck – because, trust me, you did not want to be the umpire who missed a match point call.”

So, as the Swiss Open Gstaad concluded, it was clear that the folks in the shadows – the ones who ensured every serve, volley, and ace was called to perfection – played a vital role. They might not have received the spotlight, but without them, the game wouldn’t have gone on.

BASED ON AVS | JOCELYNE PAGE