Wimbledon updates line-calling system after Kartal controversy

Wimbledon has made immediate changes to its electronic line-calling system to eliminate the possibility of human error following a controversial incident during Sunday’s fourth-round match between Sonay Kartal and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) confirmed the Hawk-Eye system was accidentally deactivated for one game because of “operator error,” sparking debate over the need for a video review system in tennis.

What happened?

During a crucial game at 4-4 on Centre Court, Kartal sent a backhand long on game point. However, the automated system failed to register the ball as out and instead issued two “stop” calls.

Chair umpire Nico Helwerth opted to replay the point, which Kartal went on to win, prompting frustration from Pavlyuchenkova and criticism from pundits. Television replays later confirmed the ball was significantly out.

“I think tennis should use video checks like football,” Pavlyuchenkova said post-match. “At such a big event, it is necessary.”

Wimbledon’s response

In a statement, the AELTC said:

“Following our review, we have now removed the ability for Hawk-Eye operators to manually deactivate the ball tracking. This error cannot now be repeated due to system changes we have made.”

The club stood by Helwerth’s decision, adding that he “followed the established process” during the disruption and confirmed the umpire was “resting” on Monday as part of the usual rotation.

Could video reviews come to tennis?

Unlike the US Open and Australian Open, Wimbledon does not currently use a video review system. When line judges were present, players could challenge calls using Hawk-Eye, but under the current setup there are no challenges or referee reviews.

The AELTC said the possibility of introducing video reviews will be “among the matters considered” after this year’s Championships.

Former British number one Tim Henman, however, defended the technology, saying:

“The line-calling system, when activated, works extremely well. There’s a narrative that it’s inaccurate, but that’s just not true.”

Players concerned over volume of calls

Some players have also raised concerns about the quietness of line calls in loud atmospheres. Wimbledon confirmed it is “adjusting the volume all the time” to account for ambient noise.

Despite the controversy, the AELTC insisted it has “full confidence in the accuracy of the ball-tracking technology.”

What’s next?

With the Championships entering its second week, all eyes are now on whether the debate around video reviews will gain traction as players push for more tools to resolve on-court disputes.