Wimbledon’s AI line judges spark backlash over errors, player frustration
Wimbledon rolled out AI-powered electronic line calling (ELC) for the first time this year, ditching human line judges. The move has sparked serious pushback from players.
The issue started with multiple incorrect calls that cost players points. British star Emma Raducanu slammed the AI for missing an out ball hit by her opponent. TV replays confirmed the ball was indeed out. Jack Draper, Britain’s top player, questioned the AI’s accuracy, saying it’s not “100 percent accurate.” 
Ben Shelton had to rush his match after officials warned the AI might fail due to fading sunlight. Other players complained they couldn’t hear the new automated speaker system. A deaf player said losing human hand signals made it impossible to tell when points were won.
The biggest foul-up came during Sonay Kartal’s match versus Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. The AI missed an out ball at a crucial moment. The umpire stopped play and ordered a point replay. Wimbledon blamed “human error” for accidentally turning off the system and promised tweaks to prevent repeats.
Debbie Jevans, chair of the All England Club, pushed back hard on complaints from Raducanu and Draper:
“When we did have linesmen, we were constantly asked why we didn’t have electronic line calling because it’s more accurate than the rest of the tour.”
Tensions over AI line judging aren’t new. Last April, Alexander Zverev slammed the same tech for calling an out ball in. This controversy highlights the risks of fully replacing humans with AI in sports officiating.
We’ve reached out to Wimbledon for comment.
More tournaments are adopting automated line calls, but players’ trust is shaky. Even Klarna recently reversed automated job cuts, opting to hire humans again, showing the limits of full automation.
Sources: The Telegraph, Yahoo Sports, The Verge
