World number one Aryna Sabalenka stated that tennis players must halt play immediately to request a video review for hindrance, not wait until after the point concludes. This stance follows a controversial incident involving Daniil Medvedev and Jack Draper at Indian Wells.
Medvedev secured a crucial break during his match when chair umpire Aurelie Tourte ruled, via video review, that Draper's raised arm had distracted the Russian. The review was requested after the point ended, leading to jeers from the crowd.
Draper argued he had not significantly hindered Medvedev, but the umpire upheld the decision. Current Indian Wells video review procedures allow for reviews after point-ending shots or if play is stopped immediately by a player.
Sabalenka expressed her view, "What I think is really awkward is you can finish the point and then ask for that." She believes players who are genuinely bothered should stop play instantly. She added, "If he got bothered, (he should) ask for the video review straightaway."
Video review technology has been in use at ATP Masters 1000 tournaments since February of last year, covering issues like foul shots and hindrances.
Umpires can also initiate hindrance calls without player requests. Sabalenka herself was involved in such a call for excessive grunting during a past match.
Sabalenka is set to face Elena Rybakina in the Indian Wells final.