Bernardes: "Finding a Solution to Time Would Make Tennis More Attractive for Future Generations"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 16 Dec 2025 | 08.00

Bernardes: "Finding a Solution to Time Would Make Tennis More Appealing to Future Generations". Photo: Gettyimages

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Carlos Bernardes has been one of the tennis figures most frequently seen on television. The Brazilian umpire was one of the most renowned chair umpires, along with Mohamed Lahyani, who is still active, and has also been involved in several controversies.

Many people remember the iconic "Carlos, you are telling me an atrocity" from Rafa Nadal during the 2010 ATP Finals, where he refused to continue playing due to a decision by Bernardes. Despite this clash with the Spaniard, Bernardes was one of the most beloved personalities on the tour for his joy, kindness, and approachability. Last year, he retired during the ATP Finals final after over 30 years and more than 8,000 matches officiated.

A year after his retirement, Bernardes granted an interview to Ubitennis, where he discussed factors that can disrupt a match, his relationship with other officials, a tournament that marked a turning point in his career as a chair umpire, and the issue that tennis must address to remain engaging.

A More Tranquil Life after Retirement

"Time has flown by, it's incredible. Staying at home during this time suits me well. I attended four or five ATP events because my wife works as a supervisor: she was in Greece for four weeks, and I accompanied her for two. The place was beautiful. I also went to Rome, the ATP Finals in Turin, and Bérgamo, here at home. Besides that, I went to the gym, appeared on television two or three times, and was contacted to be the tournament director for some Challenger events."

The Tournament That Was Key in his Career Path

"When I started, during the times of Mohamed Lahyani and Pascal Maria, the goal for ATP officials and supervisors was to go to the United States, as many important tournaments were held there. My first time was in San José, California, at the 1995 Sybase Open. For that occasion, there were four designated umpires: two for the semifinals and final on Saturday and Sunday, one as the supervisor in the qualifying rounds, and the other as the chair umpire."

"In that case, I officiated the two semifinals because the other had more experience and umpired the final, and among the players were Andre Agassi, MaliVai Washington, Michael Chang, and Jim Courier, three top 10 and one top 20 player. That was a significant step in my career, being in the United States, at an important tournament in San José, and especially with these players."

Carlos Bernades and Time in Tennis, a Problem to Be Solved Sooner Rather Than Later

"It's difficult to think of a rule that could radically change tennis. One of the main issues in tennis is time. A match can last 40-50 minutes or 4-5 hours, and this uncertainty about when it starts and ends, what you can do in the meantime, is the complex part of this sport. Finding a solution regarding time would make tennis more appealing to future generations."

"Some tournaments are trying experimental changes in this direction, but they are still exhibitions and I don't like them much. All organizations need to come together to find a solution to this issue, without altering the sport too much but making it more attractive to people."

No Difficult Players to Officiate, It's the Situations

"The issue is that, even if the players are calm, it's the situations that become complicated, not the players. It also depends more on the temperament of the player. Nowadays, it's easier to see what the players and even the umpires are saying. Twenty years ago, it was more challenging because there was less technology and fewer tennis-related media, so if a player or chair umpire said something on the court, others wouldn't be aware of it."

His Career Ended with Words of Gratitude from Jannik Sinner

"2024 was special because finishing with that match and those words from Sinner, with the affection from other players, coaches, and the people who worked with me all those years, was truly beautiful. Sinner's comment was lovely because right after winning the ATP Finals, he remembered me."

"Italy is going through a very special moment in tennis. I don't recall a period like this in any other country, not just in men's tennis. It's wonderful to see Italian tennis moving in this direction, although I don't think Jannik is the only one there. Cobolli, Musetti, Paolini, and the doubles players are showing their strength on the court and pushing each other forward. I hope this continues for many more years in Italian tennis."

His Colleagues, a Second Family Where Respect Always Prevailed

"I believe the old guard had a healthy and respectful relationship. This has always helped us grow together. Our work is very individual, but you can't believe you are the best umpire in the world. When one of our colleagues made it to the final, it was a joy for all, and that greatly contributed to our growth. If you have a bigger ego, you won't progress because you can't be alone in this type of work, especially as you are part of a group that is united most of the time, like a second family," states Carlos Bernardes, whom everyone remembers at the top of the umpire's chair, officiating some of the best matches in tennis history.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Bernardes: "Encontrar una solución al tiempo haría que el tenis fuera más atractivo para las generaciones futuras"