Wimbledon faces backlash over AI line judges after tech errors spark outrage
Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu criticised AI calls at Wimbledon, saying they led to key point losses and unfair match results.
Wimbledon’s decision to fully replace human line judges with an AI-powered system has sparked growing discontent among players and fans.
Although designed for precision, the Hawk-Eye Live system has made questionable calls, been difficult to hear during matches, and even shut down unexpectedly, raising concerns about its reliability.
British players Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu both expressed frustration over key points lost due to what they believed were inaccurate calls. Sonay Kartal’s match was interrupted in a particularly disruptive incident when the AI system crashed mid-game, prompting organisers to apologise.
The All England Club defends the system as more impartial than human officials, but not everyone agrees. Over 300 line judges lost their jobs, and some staged protests outside the grounds.
With no way to challenge calls made by the machine, players say the system removes accountability and human judgement from the sport.
While Wimbledon continues to market the move as progress, critics argue that the tournament has sacrificed tradition and clarity for automation.
As other Grand Slams like the French Open retain human officials, questions remain over whether AI is improving the sport or changing it for the worse.
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