Love them or hate them, tennis umpires are a part of the game. While most people don’t pay any attention to them unless there’s controversy, there is such a thing as the best tennis umpires in the world.
They are usually the ones that people don’t know too much about, because they stay out of the limelight and don’t have much controversy surrounding them.
5. Kader Nouni
Country: France
The most notable thing about Kader Nouni is that he is known for having a very distinctive, quality voice. Most fans will know right away when he is in the chair, just by hearing him call the game score.
As for his calls, they are known for being consistent and fair. He is one of the easiest umpires in the sport to get along with, which helps keep tempers at ease. Nouni has the ability to also get stern when needed.
4. James Keothavong
Country: United Kingdom
The England native has been in the chair of Grand Slam singles finals multiple times, and is known for having a pretty calm demeanor in the toughest of situations. The brother of former WTA pro Anne Keothavong, he keeps his name out of controversy, which is always viewed as a major positive in this line of work.
Keothavong is so consistent that a lot of fans might not even know his name, but they recognize his face when he’s calling a match.
3. Eva Asderaki-Moore
Country: Greece
Still relatively young as an umpire, Eva Asderaki-Moore is one of the most consistent in the game. She is constantly overlooking big matches at Grand Slam tournaments, and she has broken many barriers as a woman umpire for the men’s game.
She made history at the US Open in 2015, as she was the first woman to umpire a men’s final there. Her ability to solve disagreements quickly has solidified her reputation in a lot of ways.
Eva was even calling big tennis matches while pregnant a few years ago, unafraid to jump out of the chair to get a closer look at tough balls.
2. Carlos Ramos
Country: Portugal
Portuguese umpire Carlos Ramos has been a gold badge chair umpire for a while, and it has paid off with plenty of opportunities to call extremely important matches.
He is one of only two people ever to call a singles final match at all four Grand Slams, and he continually grades as one of the most accurate umpires on tour as well.
His first singles final at a Grand Slam came in 2005, as he looked over the Australian Open final between Marat Safin and Lleyton Hewitt. In total, he has called 10 Grand Slam finals matches in his career, with more on the way.
Some people don’t like that he is somewhat quick to hand out violations or penalties, but others enjoy his ability to keep the game under control.
1. Mohamed Lahyani
Country: Sweden
It’s always extremely difficult to determine the best umpire in any sport, since there will always be some mild controversies here and there.
However, it seems like one of the most universally liked umpires in the game right now is Mohamed Lahyani. The Swedish ATP umpire has evolved into someone who is very consistent and fair, with very limited controversies.
He has called singles finals in major tournaments, but perhaps the most normal match he’s ever called was the longest match in pro tennis history. When John Isner and Nicolas Mahut played for over 11 hours, he was the umpire in the seat throughout those three days.
