Family ties at Australian Open for line umpires Laurie and Ben Geist

THE 2013 Australian Open men's final ran smoothly thanks to Camden father and son line-umpire duo Laurie and Ben Geist.

Umpires

THE 2013 Australian Open men's final ran smoothly thanks to Camden father and son line-umpire duo Laurie and Ben Geist.

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray battled it out in the four-set thriller which the Serbian won 6-7 7-6 6-3 6-2 under the watchful eyes of Ben at centre line serve position and Laurie at the left near line.

Geist Jr said his father made a few close calls.

"Dad was on the left side, closest to the umpire's chair, so the calls were tough because that's where the sliding serves land," he said.

The 26-year-old said his centre line serve was much easier.

"As I've told my friends, it was the best spot in the world to watch the final because I didn't have to make many calls," he said with a laugh.

Since the Geists began umpiring together in 2003, they have added 10 Sydney Internationals and nine Australian Opens to their team resume.

Geist Sr has also umpired two women's and one men's Australian Open finals.

"To be on court for the men's final was an honour, but it was even more special to share the experience with Ben," Geist Sr said. sWhen the Geists aren't officiating tennis, the Tennis Australia qualified coaches are improving amateur skills through their 1st Serve Tennis Academy in Camden.