Latvian tennis star Jelena Ostapenko admits she does not discover the usage of the digital line calling system enjoyable as she would favor the standard manner and to have challenges to make use of when she feels that an umpire made a unsuitable name.
Over the previous couple of seasons, nearly all of tournaments have switched to the AI expertise that makes one hundred pc of calls right. Consequently, line umpires have been ditched and the chair umpire is now the one umpire wanted on the courtroom. Additionally, the challenges have been eliminated however gamers can ask for a evaluation of the purpose – however it by no means modifications something.
Clay tournaments have been the slowest on the subject of implementing the digital line calling – however not this week’s WTA 500 match in Charleston – the place Ostapenko is competing.
Ostapenko: It is not a lot enjoyable anymore
“You continue to can like evaluation it. Nevertheless it’s not going to alter the decision. It is not a lot enjoyable anymore,” the 2017 French Open champion stated when requested about no want for challenges with the digital line calling in place.
Ostapenko was then straight requested if she missed difficult a name.
“I feel so, yeah, as a result of it was this second if you’re ready for the ball to bounce to see if it is in or out it is just a little bit disturbing,” the 27-year-old stated.
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— No Challenges Remaining (@NCR_Tennis) April 3, 2025
This isn’t the primary time that Ostapenko has spoken out towards the AI expertise utilized in tournaments. In one among her interviews from 2023, the Latvian tennis star even stated that she did not totally imagine the digital line calling system. Additionally, she as soon as stated that the system was “sluggish” in making calls.
In the meantime, Ostapenko’s Charleston run completed within the round-of-16 following a two-set defeat to defending champion and residential favourite Danielle Collins.
