The 2021 Australian Open is honouring Australians who save and protect lives by featuring the voices of eight community heroes for the tournament’s live electronic line calling.
The high-precision machine, dubbed Hawkeye, uses pre-recorded voices to call out the terms ‘Out’, ‘Fault’ and ‘Foot Fault’.
It is the first grand slam to replace all linespeople with technology.
Among the eight is Greek Australian paramedic Steven Gelagotis.
“It definitely wasn’t something I expected, but I see it as an honour to be able to represent Ambulance Victoria and have my voice featured in the line calling," Gelagotis said.
Implemented as part of the tournament’s COVID safe protocols, the electronic line calling has reduced the number of people required onsite at Melbourne Park.
"The Australian Open is an iconic sporting event and I remember as a little kid, in front of Mum and Dad, I would sit in front of the TV and yell out the line calls in different accents to pretend I was a linesman. It is an extreme privilege to be part of the Australian Open this year,” he added.
The technology also means players can no longer challenge calls - which would then use the Hawkeye system to review a human linesperson’s decision.