Nitto ATP Finals
8,000 matches later, Carlos Bernardes says goodbye to tennis
The Brazilian ends a 30-plus year career in Turin
November 17, 2024
Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Written by Sam Jacot
For more than three decades, chair referee Carlos Bernardes has enjoyed the best seat in the house. One of the most respected sports officials, the Brazilian has overseen some of the most memorable matches on tennis's biggest courts.
From Sampras and Agassi to the unforgettable Federer-Nadal matches, Bernardes has always been there, on the court, keeping order. His storied journey came to a fitting end on the ATP Tour this week at the Nitto ATP Finals, where he hosted his final ATP Tour title match.
Bernardes recalled his career on ATPtour.com in Turin.
“My first contact with tennis was when I was a child in Brazil. We used to cross the fence to play at the local club until we registered there. Since then, I have been a part of this game, and I feel lucky to have had this experience,” said Bernardes.
In 1984, Bernardes began coaching and quickly found his way to becoming a judge participating in the regional Billie Jean King Cup in Sao Paulo. Balancing coaching and managing across South America, his breakthrough came in 1992 when he joined the ATP Tour as the chairman umpire.
“I started with competitions in South America, I was assigned to the United States. I remember the first event in San Jose in 1996,” he said with a smile. “That tournament included Sampras, Agassi, and Chang. Sampras was No. 1. It was amazing — to go from playing tennis on the streets of Brazil to being Sampras and Agassi.”
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Carlos Bernardes and ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi in Turin. Photo Credit: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Of the 29 players who have reached No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Bernardes has had the privilege of managing 24 of them. From Mats Wilander to Jannik Sinner, you've seen historic moments and built lasting relationships with the game's biggest stars.
“I have played matches with Sampras, Agassi, Chang, Edberg, Wilander, Becker. It was great to see Boris Becker here in Turin this week. He came to talk to me, it was good. Becker had such charisma on the court. And the Sampras-Agassi matches were unforgettable.”
Bernardes remembers the 'special' era of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic, as well as the fascination of Andy Murray, Juan Martin del Potro, and Stan Wawrinka.
“I think some of my longest matches were with Murray – four hours on court, and he was still going through. I would see him later and ask him, 'How did you do it?' and he would say, 'I can't go now,' but he would return to court the next day victorious. That respect from the players means a lot.”
One of Bernardes' best memories is supporting Rafael Nadal's ATP Tour debut in Mallorca in 2002, followed by Nadal's first meeting with Federer in Miami (2004). He also officiated in the 2011 Wimbledon final, where Novak Djokovic beat Nadal to take the title and climb to the No. 1 ranking.
“Wimbledon is magic,” said Bernardes. “I started playing tennis because of Wimbledon. Getting a referee at the Central Court – it's incomparable. That final in 2011 was really special.”
Bernardes has seen firsthand how the sport has grown, evolved and changed, making him a wellspring of knowledge about the sport's history. The 60-year-old has been an integral part of the traveling road show that is the ATP Tour, traveling many miles and spending years of his life in hotels.
“I love Melbourne — I can go back to the hotel at 2 in the morning! Tokyo has always been at the top of the game,” said Bernardes when talking about his favorite cities. “Monte-Carlo is great, especially when the weather is clear. And New York, where I entered my first Grand Slam, will never be forgotten.
“Barcelona too. It's a perfect tennis event. If you want to see a tennis event, this is the one to go with. There may be two low-level guys, but it will be full on the pitches.”
Today, Bernardes is leaving a game that has been transformed by technology. Electronic telemetry is already widespread and will be mandatory on the Tour by 2025, as limited trials of video review continue. Although Bernardes has accepted the high pressure to make the calls, he understands the change.
“It's different now with the phone calls — you don't talk to the players as much anymore. No need to waste or explain calls. Now, I listen to music in the stadium. It is becoming more and more mechanical, and we need to be careful. I enjoyed the pressure to make the right call. Now, even if I think the ball is out, I sit back and let technology decide. “
Sitting in the boardroom at Turin's Inalpi Arena, Bernardes reflects fondly on his memories. However, his eyes light up when he talks about the people he has met.
“I have many stories, and I am lucky. “I've done more than 8,000 games – just one percent of that leaves a lot of memories,” said Bernardes. “But it's the people I've met that stand out. We are away from home for part of our lives, so embrace people and places. This year, fans and people came to me — that's been great. It's a great place to be a part of.”
Bernardes will finish his career next week at the Davis Cup final in Malaga but received warm words from Jannik Sinner following the title match at the Nitto ATP Finals, hosted by Brazil.
“Carlos, it's been an amazing job,” Sinner said. “I feel privileged to be a part of your last ATP tour.”
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Jannik Sinner shakes hands with Carlos Bernardes. Photo Credit: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
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