Latvian tennis star Jelena Ostapenko admits she doesn’t find the use of the electronic line calling system fun as she would prefer the traditional way and to have challenges to use when she feels that an umpire made a wrong call.
Over the last few seasons, the majority of tournaments have switched to the AI technology that makes 100 percent of calls correct. As a result, line umpires have been ditched and the chair umpire is now the only umpire needed on the court. Also, the challenges have been removed but players can ask for a review of the point – but it never changes anything.
Clay tournaments have been the slowest when it comes to implementing the electronic line calling – but not this week’s WTA 500 tournament in Charleston – where Ostapenko is competing.
Ostapenko: It’s not so much fun anymore
“You still can like review it. But it’s not going to change the call. It’s not so much fun anymore,” the 2017 French Open champion said when asked about no need for challenges with the electronic line calling in place.
Ostapenko was then directly asked if she missed challenging a call.
“I think so, yeah, because it was this moment when you’re waiting for the ball to bounce to see if it’s in or out it’s a little bit stressful,” the 27-year-old said.
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