Tensions Rise Over Electronic Line Calling at Wimbledon
Tensions regarding the implementation of electronic line calling (ELC) at Wimbledon reached a peak Sunday during a pivotal moment in a match involving Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. The Russian player was competing against local favorite Sonay Kartal when controversy emerged over a malfunction of the ELC system, leading to a critical non-call that sparked heated debate among players and spectators alike.
Match Controversy
In a tense fourth-round showdown, Pavlyuchenkova was serving at 4-4, Ad-40 in the first set when Kartal executed a backhand that was clearly out of bounds. The ELC system, which has replaced traditional line judges for the first time in the 148-year history of Wimbledon, failed to register the incorrect shot, leaving both players and the crowd awaiting a call that never came. Umpire Nico Helwerth intervened before a warning sound could play, pausing the match to consult with tournament officials.
Following a suspension of play, Helwerth clarified to the players and the audience that the electronic system had not functioned properly during that point, resulting in the decision to replay it.
Despite television replays confirming the out call, which should have awarded Pavlyuchenkova the game, the point was replayed under the rules governing ELC malfunctions. An official representative from the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) later attributed the incident to “operator error,” emphasizing that the chair umpire acted in accordance with the established protocols.
Rules and Reactions
According to the ATP rulebook, should the ELC system fail to issue a call, it’s up to the chair umpire to make a judgment. If the umpire is not certain of the outcome, the point must be replayed, a scenario that played out on Centre Court Sunday.
Following the disruption, Kartal managed to win the replayed point and subsequently took the lead at 5-4. Pavlyuchenkova expressed her frustration to the umpire during the changeover, insisting that the local connection influenced the decision-making process on a crucial point.
Resistance to ELC Technology
Prior to the commencement of this year’s tournament, there was notable resistance from traditionalists regarding the replacement of line judges with ELC technology—a shift that many viewed as inevitable. While the majority of ATP-level events and other Grand Slams such as the Australian Open and US Open have adopted this system, the French Open remains the last major tournament to rely on human line judges. Sally Bolton, the CEO of the All England Club, had previously stated that this technological move was necessary.
Despite general support for ELC among players who appreciate its reliability and removal of self-officiating burdens, criticism has arisen, particularly from notable players like Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu. Draper questioned the technology’s accuracy, recalling a serve he believed was out but was ruled in due to ELC errors. Similarly, Raducanu expressed disappointment over calls that she felt were clearly wrong during her loss to Aryna Sabalenka.
Official Response and Match Outcome
The backlash even prompted a response from Wimbledon officials, with AELTC chair Debbie Jevans emphasizing that when line judges were present, there were constant calls for ELC due to its purported accuracy. High-profile incidents of malfunction have plagued ELC’s implementation, with past occurrences—such as a controversial call during the Cincinnati Open—bringing attention to the technology’s limitations.
In a dramatic comeback following the contentious point, Pavlyuchenkova broke back and ultimately won the set in a tiebreak before sealing the match with a score of 7-6(3), 6-4. She is set to compete against either Linda Nosková or Amanda Anisimova in the next round, showcasing her resilience despite the adversity faced on the court.
