Umpiring blunder mars classic French Open final

So, why did the umpire not rely on technology to get the call right? 

It's simple: umpires at Roland Garros do not have access to the Hawk-Eye line-calling system, which is only used for the benefit of television networks, meaning us viewers can spot an error they can't. 

Why is that, you ask? On clay courts, the ball leaves a prominent mark on the surface upon impact, and the organizers have preferred to use these marks as a reference point for challenges. Unlike on other surfaces, the French Open still relies on an umpire climbing down from their chair and analyzing the ball's landing spot to either agree or disagree with the line judge's call.

The antiquated system seemed to have cost Zverev dearly on Sunday.

"It's frustrating in the end, but it is what it is," Zverev said, via Reuters. "Umpires make mistakes. They're also human and that's okay. But of course, in a situation like that, you wish there wouldn't be mistakes. But it is what it is. Look, he [Alcaraz] played fantastic. He played better than me in the fourth and fifth sets."

Zverev acknowledged the fifth set could have "gone the other way" if the umpire hadn't robbed him of a service break. After all, tennis is a sport of momentum swings. 

Here's hoping the incident propels the organizers of Roland Garros to finally embrace technology.