Emma Raducanu’s journey at Wimbledon came to a heartfelt close amid growing concerns about the accuracy of the tournament’s new electronic line calling system. After a narrow defeat to top seed Aryna Sabalenka, the British tennis star spoke openly about her frustration with several questionable calls made by the AI-driven technology, highlighting a contentious issue at this year’s All England Club.
Raducanu’s disappointment was evident following a pivotal moment in the match when a Sabalenka first serve, appearing out of bounds on replay, was ruled in. This call occurred at a critical juncture, with Sabalenka leading 2-4, 15-0, and led to an easy winning shot that helped her stage a comeback. “That call was, like, for sure out,” Raducanu candidly told reporters post-match. She expressed hope that the tournament organizers would address and improve the system, noting that she had experienced similar erroneous calls in previous matches at Wimbledon and other events.
This Wimbledon marked the debut of electronic line calling (ELC) at the prestigious venue, replacing the traditional human line judges. While this technological shift aims to bring greater objectivity to line decisions, it has been met with mixed reactions from players and fans alike. Raducanu’s remarks echoed those of fellow British No. 1 Jack Draper, who also questioned the reliability of some calls during his recent second-round exit.
Sabalenka, recognizing the high level of competition, praised Raducanu’s performance and resilience despite the narrow loss. The ongoing debate surrounding electronic line calling highlights the balance tennis must find between embracing innovation and preserving the sport’s human elements. As Wimbledon continues to evolve, the effectiveness and acceptance of such technology will remain under close scrutiny.
