Notable Tennis Umpires
Meet some of the most recognized and respected officials in professional tennis. Learn about their inspiring journeys from local tournaments to officiating Grand Slam finals.
Elite Officiating by the Numbers
Sweden
Mohamed Lahyani
"Energetic style and animated calls"
Mohamed Lahyani was born in Morocco but emigrated to Sweden when he was about a year old. He began his umpiring career in 1991, earning his White Badge in Warsaw, Poland. Known for his distinctive baritone voice and charismatic score announcements, Lahyani umpired the longest match in tennis history - the 11-hour Isner-Mahut match at Wimbledon 2010. He has officiated matches involving every men's world No. 1 since the 1990s.
Famous Matches
- 2010 Wimbledon - Isner vs Mahut (longest match ever - 11h 5m)
- 2013 Wimbledon Men's Singles Final
- 2008, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2020 ATP Finals
Career Highlights
- Chair umpire since 1991
- Gold Badge earned in 1997
- Famous Kyrgios pep talk at 2018 US Open
- One of the most recognizable voices in tennis
Fun Facts
- His family owned a restaurant and sports center in Sweden
- Was studying to be a chef and sports teacher before umpiring
- Voted best Chair Umpire by tennis journalists at 2014 ATP Finals
- Known for emphasizing score like "fifteen-FORTY" at break points
Portugal
Carlos Ramos
"Strict rule enforcement"
Carlos Ramos began umpiring at just 16 years old in Portugal. Over his 32-year career, he became one of only three people to chair umpire singles finals at all four Grand Slam tournaments. He also umpired the 2016 Olympic singles final in Rio. Ramos is known for strict, consistent rule application and retired on home soil in Estoril in April 2023.
Famous Matches
- 2007 Wimbledon Final - Federer vs Nadal
- 2008 Wimbledon - Venus vs Serena Williams
- 2012 London Olympics Final - Murray vs Federer
- 2018 US Open Final - Serena Williams vs Naomi Osaka
Career Highlights
- Over 32 years of professional officiating
- 10 Grand Slam singles finals
- 2018 US Open Women's Final (Serena vs Osaka)
- Retired in April 2023 at Estoril Open
Fun Facts
- Only umpire to chair singles finals at all 4 Grand Slams + Olympics
- Started umpiring at age 16
- Worked 5 Davis Cup finals
- ITF fully supported his decisions in the controversial 2018 US Open final
Serbia
Marijana Veljovic
"Rising star among female umpires"
Marijana Veljovic started playing tennis at age 9 and began umpiring by chance at a university competition 11 years ago. She holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and auditing. Joining the ITF Grand Slam squad in January 2016, she quickly rose to become one of the most respected officials. Wimbledon was her first Grand Slam as an umpire.
Famous Matches
- 2018 Australian Open Women's Final - Wozniacki vs Halep
- 2020 Australian Open - Federer vs Sandgren (code violation)
- Multiple ATP/WTA Tour finals
Career Highlights
- First Serbian female Gold Badge umpire
- 2018 Australian Open Women's Final
- 2020 Australian Open - Federer code violation incident
- Regular at all Grand Slams
Fun Facts
- Has a degree in accounting and auditing
- Started umpiring to earn pocket money at university
- Speaks Serbian, English, Italian, and Spanish
- Known for staying calm during heated player disputes
Greece
Eva Asderaki-Moore
"First female US Open Men's Final umpire"
Eva Asderaki-Moore was once ranked 7th best under-16 player in Greece. She started as a line judge at her local club in 1997 and earned her first ITF badge in 2000. In 2015, she made history as the first woman to umpire a men's US Open final. After the Djokovic-Federer final, she was more popular on social media than both players combined.
Famous Matches
- 2015 US Open Men's Final - Djokovic vs Federer (historic first)
- 2013 Wimbledon Women's Final
- 2020 Australian Open Women's Final - Kenin vs Muguruza
- 2023 US Open Women's Final
Career Highlights
- Historic 2015 US Open Men's Final - Djokovic vs Federer
- First woman to umpire men's US Open final
- 2004 Athens Olympics umpire
- 2013 Wimbledon Women's Final
Fun Facts
- Was ranked 7th best U-16 player in Greece
- More popular on Twitter than Djokovic and Federer after 2015 final
- Only current international Greek tennis umpire
- Married Australian umpire Paul Moore in 2012, lives in Sydney
Croatia
Marija Cicak
"First female Wimbledon Men's Final umpire"
Marija Čičak took up tennis at age 6 and started umpiring national tournaments in Croatia at just 15. She earned her Gold Badge in 2011 after gaining experience through a joint ATP/ITF/WTA program starting in 2009. In 2021, she became the first woman ever to umpire a Wimbledon men's final in the tournament's 144-year history.
Famous Matches
- 2021 Wimbledon Men's Final - Djokovic vs Berrettini (historic first)
- 2014 Wimbledon Women's Final - Kvitova vs Bouchard
- 2016 Rio Olympics Women's Singles Gold Medal Match
- 2015 US Open Women's Final
Career Highlights
- 2021 Wimbledon Men's Final - Djokovic vs Berrettini
- First woman to officiate Wimbledon men's final in 144-year history
- 2016 Rio Olympics Women's Gold Medal Match
- 15 consecutive Wimbledon Championships
Fun Facts
- Started umpiring at age 15 at national tournaments
- Holds a degree in kinesiology
- Has worked 15 consecutive Wimbledons
- Member of WTA Elite Team for 9+ years
Great Britain
James Keothavong
"British officiating excellence"
James Keothavong grew up in a council block in Hackney, London. His parents, of Lao origin, met in London - his mother arrived as a refugee and his father on a scholarship from Moscow. James made it to the LTA's Under-16 top 10 but chose umpiring over playing. He worked his first Wimbledon as a line judge at 16 and earned his Gold Badge in 2011.
Famous Matches
- 2014 Wimbledon Men's Final - Djokovic vs Federer (5 sets)
- 2019 Wimbledon Men's Final - Djokovic vs Federer
- Davis Cup Finals: 2014, 2016, 2017
- Three Olympic Games: 2004, 2012, 2016
Career Highlights
- 75 consecutive Grand Slams
- 15 Grand Slam singles and doubles finals
- 2014 Wimbledon Men's Final - Djokovic vs Federer
- Chaired men's finals at all 4 Grand Slams
Fun Facts
- Sister Anne Keothavong was British No. 1 and World No. 48
- Anne is now Great Britain's Billie Jean King Cup Captain
- Grew up in Hackney, London on a council estate
- Made history by chairing men's singles finals at all 4 Grand Slams