The introduction of electronic line calling in professional tennis continues to spark debate among players, with concerns ranging from perceived inaccuracies to the overall atmosphere of the game. Recent comments from top players reveal a growing divide on the issue.

Karen Khachanov voiced his preference for customary human line judges, stating that courts feel “too alone” without them. He emphasized the importance of the human element, suggesting the absence of line umpires makes the court feel excessively large and isolating. Khachanov also questioned the reliability of the AI-powered system, noting observed errors despite expectations of precision.

“I’m more for line umpires, to be honest,” Khachanov said. “You feel a little bit the court is too big, too alone without line umpires. Simultaneously occurring looks like AI and electronic line calls has to be very precise and no mistakes, but we’ve seen a couple. That’s questionable why this is happening.”

However, not all players share this sentiment. Taylor Fritz welcomes the electronic line calls, appreciating the elimination of mid-point challenge decisions. He believes the instant confirmation provided by the technology outweighs occasional glitches.

“Ther’s going to be some issues here and there,” Fritz acknowledged. “I still think it’s much better to just have the electronic line calling, as opposed to the umpires, because I do like not having to think about challenging calls in the middle of points. The ball gets called, and we know, and that’s it.”

This isn’t the first time the electronic line-calling system has faced scrutiny. British number one Emma Raducanu has previously labeled the technology “dodgy,” and Belinda Bencic has confirmed that complaints about its accuracy are common among players in the locker room.

Raducanu recently expressed her dissatisfaction following a closely contested match against Aryna sabalenka, where a call went against her. She firmly believed a shot from Sabalenka was out, and questioned the system’s overall trustworthiness.

“That call was for sure out,” Raducanu stated after her 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 loss. “no, I don’t [trust the electronic line calls] – I think the other players would say the same thing, there were some pretty dodgy ones but what can you do?”

The Evolution of Line Calling in Tennis

The shift towards electronic line calling, primarily utilizing Hawk-Eye technology, began as a means to enhance accuracy and reduce controversial calls. While initially intended as a challenge system, it has increasingly become the standard for line calls at major tournaments. However, the transition hasn’t been without its challenges.

The core issue revolves around the perception of fairness and the impact on the flow of the game. While human error is inherent in traditional line calling, some players argue that the electronic system, despite its technological sophistication, isn’t infallible and can introduce a different kind of uncertainty. The debate highlights the delicate balance between technological advancement and the traditional elements that define the sport of tennis.