Post by jenhatter06 on May 29, 2009 4:22:04 GMT 3
One-on-one with Mohamed Lahyani
Described by some as the Pierluigi Collina of tennis, Lahyani is difficult to miss on tour thanks to his booming voice and the winning smile that is never far from his lips. Respected by both his peers and the players, he is a top class umpire who puts his success down to “a passion for the job.”
"Umpiring was a hobby that became my profession," explains Lahyani, who was born in Uppsala to Moroccan parents. "I was just a normal boy who liked playing tennis and never dreamed I’d become an umpire. But during the Swedish Masters in1983, I agreed to lend a hand and sat in the chair. I had a whale of a time umpiring Wilander, Edberg and a few others. That’s where I really caught the bug."
Lahyani obtained his umpiring badge in 1991 and the following year officiated at the Barcelona Olympics as well as tournaments in Nice and Monte Carlo. Since gaining professional status in 1997 he has officiated at countless Grand Slams including 17 consecutive Wimbledons. Lahyani has a unique umpiring style, invariably creating a relaxed atmosphere on the court but always staying focused.
"I’m not a dictator when I get in that chair," he says. "I encourage dialogue. I earn the players’ trust and respect by being communicative and keeping a friendly face." He also has the respect and admiration of the line judges, as one of the Roland Garros officials explains "He puts us at ease. He never hesitates to give a quick wink or nod to let us know we made a good decision. He’s cool. We’re always relaxed when he’s in the chair."
Lahyani can boast that he umpired the only duel between Pete Sampras and Roger Federer (at Wimbledon in 2001) and recalls the recent 3 hour 59 minute nail-biter between Nadal and Djokovic in Madrid as being one of the most exciting matches he has umpired to date.
Overseeing a Grand Slam final is the 40-something umpire’s dream, though it is not an obsession. "It would be a rewarding experience, but I get just as much pleasure from officiating two unknown players in an empty stadium. You know, earning the respect of the players is like a Grand Slam for me!"
www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/news/articles/2009-05-28/200905281243531043203.html
Described by some as the Pierluigi Collina of tennis, Lahyani is difficult to miss on tour thanks to his booming voice and the winning smile that is never far from his lips. Respected by both his peers and the players, he is a top class umpire who puts his success down to “a passion for the job.”
"Umpiring was a hobby that became my profession," explains Lahyani, who was born in Uppsala to Moroccan parents. "I was just a normal boy who liked playing tennis and never dreamed I’d become an umpire. But during the Swedish Masters in1983, I agreed to lend a hand and sat in the chair. I had a whale of a time umpiring Wilander, Edberg and a few others. That’s where I really caught the bug."
Lahyani obtained his umpiring badge in 1991 and the following year officiated at the Barcelona Olympics as well as tournaments in Nice and Monte Carlo. Since gaining professional status in 1997 he has officiated at countless Grand Slams including 17 consecutive Wimbledons. Lahyani has a unique umpiring style, invariably creating a relaxed atmosphere on the court but always staying focused.
"I’m not a dictator when I get in that chair," he says. "I encourage dialogue. I earn the players’ trust and respect by being communicative and keeping a friendly face." He also has the respect and admiration of the line judges, as one of the Roland Garros officials explains "He puts us at ease. He never hesitates to give a quick wink or nod to let us know we made a good decision. He’s cool. We’re always relaxed when he’s in the chair."
Lahyani can boast that he umpired the only duel between Pete Sampras and Roger Federer (at Wimbledon in 2001) and recalls the recent 3 hour 59 minute nail-biter between Nadal and Djokovic in Madrid as being one of the most exciting matches he has umpired to date.
Overseeing a Grand Slam final is the 40-something umpire’s dream, though it is not an obsession. "It would be a rewarding experience, but I get just as much pleasure from officiating two unknown players in an empty stadium. You know, earning the respect of the players is like a Grand Slam for me!"
www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/news/articles/2009-05-28/200905281243531043203.html
