Hawk-Eye Error Sparks Controversy at Wimbledon
Wimbledon’s automated line-calling system, hawk-Eye faced criticism on Sunday after a malfunction cost Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova a key point during her last-16 match against Britain’s Sonay Kartal.
The incident occurred on Centre Court with the score at 4-4 in the opening set. Pavlyuchenkova reached game point when Kartal hit a shot that appeared clearly long, but there was no out call. Pavlyuchenkova stopped playing, expecting the point to be awarded.
Replays Show Error, Point Ordered to Be Replayed
Television replays confirmed that Kartal’s shot had landed well out. However, after seeking advice via telephone, umpire Nico Helwerth informed Pavlyuchenkova that because Hawk-Eye had failed to track the shot, the point would have to be replayed.
The decision led to confusion and frustration, with Pavlyuchenkova losing her serve in the game. At the changeover, the Russian player expressed her anger to the umpire, saying, “Because she is local, they can say whatever. You took the game away from me. They stole the game from me. You stole the game from me.”
Pavlyuchenkova Recovers to Win the Set
Despite the incident, Pavlyuchenkova managed to regain her focus, eventually recovering to win the opening set against Kartal.
The Hawk-Eye system, which replaced human line judges at Wimbledon in 2025, has faced scrutiny from players and officials over reliability concerns in high-pressure moments. This incident is likely to add to the debate over the complete reliance on automated technology for line calls at major tournaments.
with inputs from Reuters