### Wimbledon Faces Backlash Over AI Line Judge Errors Amid Blame on Ball Boy Wimbledon 2025 has been marred by controversy following a series of malfunctions in its new electronic line-calling system, which has replaced traditional line judges. The latest incident occurred during a quarterfinal match between Taylor Fritz and Karen Khachanov, where a point had to be replayed due to a malfunction attributed to a ball boy's actions. This incident has reignited debates about the reliability of technology in sports and the decision to eliminate human officials from the game. Critics are calling for a return to traditional line judges as the tournament grapples with the implications of its technological shift [https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-14888619/Wimbledon-AI-line-judge-controversy.html][https://www.aol.co.uk/wimbledon-blames-ball-boy-latest-113918820.html]. ### Breakdown of the Incident and Reactions 1. **Incident Overview**: - A malfunction in the electronic line-calling system required a point to be replayed during the quarterfinal match between Taylor Fritz and Karen Khachanov. The All England Club attributed the error to a ball boy's movement, which interfered with the system's operation [https://www.kvia.com/news/2025/07/09/wimbledon-blames-ball-boy-for-latest-electronic-line-call-blunder][https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2025/jul/09/players-unbothered-by-system-mishap]. 2. **Player Reactions**: - Players have expressed indifference to the technology's failures, with some questioning the system's future. Karen Khachanov labeled the situation "scary," highlighting the potential for significant errors in crucial moments of matches [https://sportstar.thehindu.com/tennis/wimbledon-2025-line-umpires-judges-replaced-by-elc-electronic-line-caling-questioned-by-karen-khachanov/article69790476.ece][https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/2079235/Wimbledon-malfunction-Karen-Khachanov]. 3. **Public and Expert Opinions**: - The crowd's reaction during the match was negative, with boos directed at the electronic system after it incorrectly called a ball "out" mid-point. This has led to calls for a return to human line judges, as many believe the technology is not yet reliable enough [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/wimbledon-electronic-line-calling-elc-fritz-khachanov-b2784848.html][https://www.aol.co.uk/wimbledon-crowd-boos-electronic-line-142443280.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Match Statistics**: - The incident occurred during a critical moment in the match, specifically in the first game of the fourth set, where Fritz had just served at 15-0. The malfunction led to a replay of the point, which could have impacted the match's outcome [https://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2025-07-08/wimbledon-electronic-line-calling-system-malfunctions-during-quarterfinal-match][https://www.whec.com/ap-top-news/wimbledon-electronic-line-calling-system-malfunctions-during-quarterfinal-match]. - **Technological Context**: - The electronic line-calling system, powered by over 450 cameras, has been implemented to enhance accuracy but has faced criticism for its reliability. This incident is not isolated, as previous matches have also seen similar malfunctions, raising questions about the decision to eliminate human judges entirely [https://www.firstpost.com/sports/tennis-news/wimbledon-hawk-eye-error-fix-kartal-pavlyuchenkova-controversy-13904247.html][https://www.latestly.com/agency-news/sports-news-wimbledon-electronic-line-calling-system-malfunctions-during-quarterfinal-match-6981944.html]. ### Conclusion: The Future of Line Calling at Wimbledon **Wimbledon's reliance on technology has come under scrutiny following repeated malfunctions of its electronic line-calling system.** 1. **Key Findings**: - The latest incident highlights the fragility of the technology, especially when human error is involved. - Players and spectators are increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with the system, advocating for a return to traditional line judges. 2. **Implications for Future Tournaments**: - The All England Club may need to reconsider its approach to line calling, balancing technological advancements with the need for reliability and fairness in the sport [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/tennis/wimbledon-umpire-technology-wrong-call-35522120.html][https://www.aol.co.uk/voices-poll-day-another-ai-145853014.html]. In summary, the ongoing controversy surrounding Wimbledon's electronic line-calling system raises significant questions about the future of officiating in tennis, as the tournament navigates the challenges posed by its technological innovations [https://www.aol.co.uk/wimbledon-electronic-line-calling-system-144633934.html].