Wimbledon AI Row Ignites Ball Boy Blame Debate Amid Calls to Scrap ‘Machines’
Wimbledon’s Electronic Line-Calling System Faces Backlash After Ball Boy Blamed for Error
Wimbledon’s move to replace human line judges with an AI-driven system has sparked controversy again after a technical glitch disrupted Taylor Fritz and Karen Khachanov’s quarter-final match. During Tuesday’s clash on Court One, the electronic line-calling (ELC) system erroneously flagged a “fault” on Fritz’s serve, despite the ball landing a meter inside the baseline. Play was halted mid-rally, and officials later pinned the error on a ball boy’s positioning.
The Incident
The malfunction occurred in the fourth set when the AI failed to register the start of the point after Fritz began his serve. Wimbledon organizers revealed a ball boy was still crossing the net as the American player served, confusing the system. Umpire Louise Azemar-Engzell suspended play, ordering the point to be replayed.
(Image: Ball boy near the baseline during Fritz’s serve, as the system misreads the serve.)
This marks the second major stumble for the technology, which replaced Wimbledon’s 147-year tradition of human line judges. Earlier in the tournament, the system was accidentally switched off during Sonay Kartal’s match, causing missed calls.
Player Reactions: Split Opinions
Khachanov, who lost the match to Fritz, criticized the tech, calling it “scary” to rely solely on machines. “I’m more for line umpires. The machine called a ball out mid-rally. You can’t question it,” he said. Fritz, however, defended the system, praising its efficiency: “There’ll be issues, but it’s better than arguing over calls. The ball gets called, and that’s it.”
(Image: Khachanov expressing frustration mid-match; Fritz gestures in approval of the technology.)
How the System Works
Developed by Hawk-Eye, the ELC uses 18 cameras to track the ball’s trajectory in real time. Automated “out” or “fault” calls are broadcast through speakers within a tenth of a second. Wimbledon uses pre-recorded voices of staff members for announcements, with different voices per court.
(Image: Hawk-Eye camera setup around Wimbledon’s courts.)
Previous Glitches
The system drew criticism earlier when it was accidentally deactivated during Kartal’s fourth-round match, leading to a replayed point. British stars Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu also voiced concerns about its accuracy. Despite upgrades to prevent future shutdowns, players remain divided.
Celebrity Sightings Amid Chaos
As the controversy unfolded, celebrities filled the Royal Box. Sienna Miller, Jodie Foster, and Katherine Jenkins watched Carlos Alcaraz defeat Britain’s Cameron Norrie. Tom Holland was spotted wishing Alcaraz luck, while Sir Mark Rylance cheered on Aryna Sabalenka’s victory.
(Image: Stars in the Royal Box, including Miller and Foster, watching the match.)
While Wimbledon insists it has “full confidence” in the ELC, the recurring errors have left fans and players questioning whether tradition should trump technology. With semi-finals underway, all eyes remain on how the system—and its human operators—will fare under pressure.
