Carlos Bernardes, one of the most respected tennis umpires in the world, has officially bid farewell to the sport after more than three decades of service. After officiating over 8,000 matches and creating countless memorable moments on some of the biggest stages in tennis, Bernardes brought his illustrious career to a close at the Nitto ATP Finals this week, where he officiated his final ATP Tour match. This marks a fitting conclusion to his career, a significant milestone in tennis history.
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A Humble Beginning and a Storied Journey
Carlos Bernardes, from Brazil, began his journey in tennis in the 1980s as a young boy. He recalls the early days of jumping over fences to play tennis at a local club, before eventually signing up for official training. From then on, he became an integral part of the sport, and he feels incredibly fortunate to have had such a fulfilling career.
In 1984, Bernardes started coaching and soon found himself officiating as a line umpire at a Billie Jean King Cup match in São Paulo. Balancing coaching and umpiring across South America, his breakthrough came in 1992 when he joined the ATP Tour as a chair umpire.
Making a Mark in Iconic Rivalries
Throughout his career, Bernardes has been present at some of the most legendary rivalries in tennis history, officiating in memorable matches between players like Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, as well as the unforgettable battles between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
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“Officiating matches involving players like Sampras, Agassi, Becker, and Wilander has been an unbelievable experience,” Bernardes shared. “Each match has had its unique moments, and I consider myself very lucky to have witnessed these historic moments.”
He also fondly remembers the first time he umpired a Rafael Nadal ATP Tour match in Mallorca in 2002, as well as the first encounter between Nadal and Federer in Miami in 2004. These moments were not only significant in Bernardes’ career but also monumental in the careers of these tennis legends.
The Reality of Being a Tennis Umpire
Beyond officiating iconic matches, Bernardes has seen tennis evolve over the years, from the introduction of electronic line calls to the shift in how matches are conducted. One of the biggest changes he mentions is the “electronic line calls”, with technology becoming the official tool for decision-making starting in 2025.
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“Now it’s different with electronic calls — you don’t interact with the players as much anymore. There’s no need to dispute or explain calls anymore. It’s all becoming more automated, and we need to be careful about that,” Bernardes explained. While he acknowledged the growing reliance on technology, he still valued the pressure of making decisions based on his own judgment.
A Career to Be Proud Of
One of Bernardes’ most cherished memories isn’t just about the matches he officiated but the people he met along the way. “I’ve officiated more than 8,000 matches, but only a small percentage of those stand out in memory. What really matters are the people I met and the relationships I built,” he said.
Having spent over three decades on the ATP Tour, Bernardes was not just an umpire but a key figure in the history of the sport. His career wasn’t only about officiating matches but also about the stories and bonds he formed with players, colleagues, and fans.
Ending an Era, Embracing the Future
Bernardes will officially retire from officiating at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, marking the end of an era in tennis. The tributes and admiration from players like Jannik Sinner, who took part in Bernardes’ final match at the Nitto ATP Finals, are a testament to his extraordinary career.
“Carlos, that was a wonderful career,” Sinner said. “I feel honored to be a part of your final ATP journey.”
With over 30 years of service and thousands of emotionally charged matches, Carlos Bernardes will forever remain an integral part of tennis history.
