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Wimbledon 2026: What is electronic line calling and why has it been controversial?

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Electronic line calling (ELC) remains in place at Wimbledon – as the Championships continue to embrace technology.

The system replaced line judges in 2025, after 147 years of humans calling the shots on the famous grass courts.

Wimbledon approved the use of ELC because they believe the technology is more accurate than the human eye. It was also backed by the players.

But the system was accidentally deactivated last year during the match between Anastasia Pavlyuchenkov and Sonay Kartal, due to “human error”, missing three calls in one game.

It also failed during Wimbledon qualifying at Roehampton due to a power outage that was likely caused by extreme heat, with play suspended for an hour.

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Britain’s Emma Raducanu said she did not completely trust ELC, saying there had been some “dodgy” calls, while Jack Draper said he did not think it was “100 per cent accurate”.

Speaking ahead of Wimbledon, chief executive of the All England Club Sally Bolton said there was confidence in the system before this year’s tournament.

“The way live electronic line calling works is it’s a combination of humans and technology working together,” she said.

“There was an issue last year, that was rectified and the review was undertaken during last year’s Championships.

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“We will always test our systems, every single system we have as we go into the Championships, but we’re confident that that issue was in fact rectified last year.”

Wimbledon waved goodbye to line judges last year
Wimbledon waved goodbye to line judges last year (Getty Images)

ELC uses the same technology as the Hawk-Eye system, which previously allowed players to ‘challenge’ questionable line calls.

ELC uses 18 cameras set around the court to track the ball’s movement and trajectory in real time, with sensors and computers producing a 3D image of where it lands.

An automated voice mimics that of a line judge, with a loud call of “out!”, “fault!” or “foot fault” emitted within a tenth of a second.

This year, Wimbledon has also introduced visual indicators on the scoreboards, after some fans complained that they could not tell if a ball had landed in or out without the on-court line judge.

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Wimbledon will also introduce video review technology for the first time at this year’s Championships.

It allows players to challenge calls made by the umpire – such as on whether a ball has bounced twice or if a player has touched the net.

Wimbledon umpires will be allowed to watch video reviews
Wimbledon umpires will be allowed to watch video reviews (Getty)

The All England Club confirmed that the ‘VAR’-style technology will be available on the six main show courts, including Centre Court and No 1 Court.

Video reviews were introduced on the ATP Tour last year and have been available at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open since 2025.

The presence of video review means that the umpire can ask for a replay to help determine a call if the ELC fails.

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The Australian Open replaced line judges with ELC in 2021, with the US Open following suit in 2022. ELC has been in place on most ATP and WTA Tour events since 2025.

The French Open is now the only grand slam tournament to still use line judges, with the tournament backing humans despite a controversial incident during the men’s draw.

Casper Ruud questioned a call during a pivotal moment of his match against Joao Fonseca, believing the ball had landed out despite the chair umpire ruling the mark was in.

However, the Hawk-Eye image showed the ball had landed out, leading French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo to say the “reliability of the system is not absolute”.

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With a review set to take place ahead 2027, Mauresmo added: “As of today, the machine is not 100 per cent reliable, so we continue to place our confidence in human officials.”

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Wimbledon 2026: Emma Raducanu cuts short her practice at the All England Club

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Less than half an hour after departing the court, it was announced Raducanu’s news conference – which had been scheduled for about 16:00 on Saturday – had been cancelled.

Wimbledon organisers said her media duties are to be rearranged for Sunday.

Even if Raducanu is fit enough to play Ruzic, her disrupted preparation does not bode well for the rigours of a Grand Slam tournament.

She has been blighted by a series of injury problems since her fairytale US Open victory in New York five years ago, while a viral illness meant she only played six matches from early February to the start of Queen’s earlier this month.

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Reaching the final in London – which she lost in straight sets to Croatia’s Donna Vekic – was a huge step in the right direction.

Raducanu demonstrated the aggressive brand of tennis which she is hoping to rediscover after reuniting with Andrew Richardson, the coach who guided her to the US Open triumph before they parted ways immediately afterwards.

But playing five matches in six days – the most she had played since February – has taken its toll.

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‘Sad India lost, but … ‘: Mother of Indian-origin Ireland pacer Jai Moondra reacts after dream debut | Cricket News

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'Sad India lost, but ... ': Mother of Indian-origin Ireland pacer Jai Moondra reacts after dream debut
Ireland’s Jai Moondra, center, celebrates with team-mates after bowling out Sanju Samson during the first T20I test match at Stormont, Belfast, Northern Ireland, Friday June 26, 2026. (AP)

India lost the opening T20I against Ireland by 34 runs in Belfast on Friday, but for people in Rajasthan’s Tonk district, the biggest moment was the international debut of left-arm pacer Jai Moondra for Ireland. The 29-year-old picked up two wickets, including Sanju Samson with the first ball of his spell, as Ireland registered their first-ever international win over India.Jai finished with figures of 2 for 25 from four overs after also dismissing Shivam Dube.Back in Tonk, his family gathered to watch the match together. They cheered for the Indian batters but celebrated whenever Jai took a wicket. While they were disappointed with India’s defeat, they said they were proud of Jai’s performance.His mother, Vidya Moondra, told news agency ANI, “I am sad that India lost, but my son performed so well and brought laurels to his family, Rajasthan and the country. I am proud of him. He picked up two wickets. Everyone who ever watched him play used to tell us to make him a Cricketer. After 10th grade, he focused more on his studies because his father wanted him to get a degree first and then focus on cricket. He completed his education and then pursued this. He had joined an academy.”His uncle, Kanhaiya Lal Moondra, also spoke about the occasion.“I cannot describe my joy in words. The passion with which my son played, he created history. I am getting so many phone calls that he played so well. We are sad that India lost, but we are proud of our son,” he said.Jai started playing cricket in Tonk under coach Imtiaz Ali at the same ground where India fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed also trained, ANI reported. He represented Tonk and Rajasthan at the Under-14 level before moving to Ireland in May 2021 to pursue an MTech degree.ALSO READ: Who is Jai Moondra? Ireland’s Rajasthan-born pacer makes T20I debut against IndiaWhile studying, he continued playing club cricket and joined Leinster Cricket Club in Dublin. He was part of the team that won the Irish Senior Cup in 2023 and worked his way into Ireland’s domestic system. After receiving Irish citizenship in 2025, he earned his place in the national team.Jai made an immediate impact after coming into the attack in the second over of India’s innings. He bowled Sanju Samson with the first delivery of his spell and gave away only seven runs in that over. He returned in the fifth over and conceded just four runs.His second wicket came in the 16th over when Shivam Dube hit the ball back to him, and Jai completed a return catch off the final ball of the over after giving away six runs.He almost finished with three wickets in his last over, but Harshit Rana was dropped off the final ball. Jai ended with figures of 2 for 25, playing a key role in Ireland’s win.Ireland and India will meet again in the second T20I in Belfast on Sunday, with the hosts looking to seal the series.

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Belgium Top Group G as Egypt Survive Late Iran Scare to Reach World Cup Knockouts

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Belgium finished top of Group G at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a convincing 5-1 victory over New Zealand, while Egypt held on for a dramatic 1-1 draw against Iran to secure their place in the knockout rounds.

Belgium and Egypt both ended the group stage with five points, but the Red Devils claimed first place on goal difference. Egypt finished second, while Iran, with three points, must now wait to see if they can qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. New Zealand were eliminated after losing all hopes of progression.

Belgium went into their final match needing a big win to have any chance of overtaking Egypt at the top of the table, and they delivered in style. The Europeans defeated New Zealand 5-1 to complete a remarkable turnaround after disappointing results in their opening two matches.

  • VAR offside review showing Iran’s disallowed late goal against Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World CupVAR offside review showing Iran’s disallowed late goal against Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

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In Seattle, Egypt and Iran played out a tense and dramatic encounter that kept fans on edge until the final whistle. Egypt took the lead early on, but Iran quickly responded through Ramin Rezaeian after goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir had saved Mehdi Taremi’s penalty.

The draw appeared enough to send Egypt through, but the Pharaohs were forced to endure a nervy finish. Iran pushed hard for a winner and thought they had found it in stoppage time, only for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to rule out the goal for offside.

Iran created several other chances to secure victory but were unable to find the decisive goal that would have guaranteed their place in the last 32.

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Egypt also suffered an injury concern after captain Mohamed Salah was substituted in the second half with ice and strapping visible around his left thigh and hamstring, raising fears ahead of the knockout stages.

The final Group G standings saw Belgium finish first with five points, Egypt second with five points, Iran third with three points, and New Zealand at the bottom of the table.

While Belgium and Egypt can now prepare for the knockout rounds, Iran’s World Cup future remains uncertain as they await the outcome of the remaining group-stage matches.

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Criticism & panic follow Naomi Osaka after Bad Homburg final as fans question retirement decision

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Naomi Osaka’s impressive run at the 2026 Bad Homburg Open ended on a disappointing note after she was forced to retire during the final against Karolina Muchova. The retirement sparked mixed reactions from fans, with some criticizing the decision while others expressed concern over her condition.

Osaka had looked back to her best throughout the week, defeating Magdalena Frech, Elise Mertens, Ekaterina Alexandrova, and Wang Xinyu to reach her first final in five years. Standing in her way was an in-form Muchova, who had beaten Irina-Camelia Begu, Clara Tauson, and Elena-Gabriela Ruse to book her place in the title match.

However, the final did not go as planned. Trailing 1-6, 0-1, the former World No. 1 retired after visibly struggling with a foot issue, having also taken a medical timeout during the opening set. Tournament officials did not disclose the exact nature of the injury, with further assessment expected ahead of Wimbledon.

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While some fans criticized Naomi Osaka for retiring during the championship match, many others were more concerned about what the injury could mean with Wimbledon just around the corner. One user wrote:

“Auckland 2025 and now Bad Homburg 2026….Her body doesn’t want her to win finals ffs…😭.”

“Expecting to wake up to Naomi ending the title drought but it’s another retirement… i can’t take this no more,” another wrote.

“Man that’s why I hate back to back tournaments, why can’t the tour have a break in between grand slam tournaments to allow players to breathe before a Grand Slam,” one user posted.

“Unbelievable how a professional tennis player can show up to a final and be injured to start the match. Naomi Osaka you should be ASHAMED of yourself. I’m losing thousands of dollars because you are unfit yet still playing,” one user commented.

“This is the worse tennis final ever played. Naomi Osaka you gotta retire from tennis fr fr just go do something like politics or something,” another added.

“I’m sure Xinyu Wang would’ve played a great final against Muchova but Naomi Osaka decided to clown 🤡🤡 f***ing loser,” one account tweeted.


Naomi Osaka apologizes to fans after Bad Homburg Open final retirement

Naomi Osaka pictured at the 2026 Bad Homburg Open | Image Source: GettyNaomi Osaka pictured at the 2026 Bad Homburg Open | Image Source: Getty
Naomi Osaka pictured at the 2026 Bad Homburg Open | Image Source: Getty

Naomi Osaka made sure to apologize to the fans after being forced to retire during the Bad Homburg Open final against Karolina Muchova. During her runner-up speech, the Japanese thanked the crowd for their support despite the hot conditions and expressed her regret at not being able to finish the match.

Osaka said:

“I just want to say thank you everyone that came to the match. I apologize for not being able to finish, but this atmosphere was incredible throughout the whole week. So, thank you so much, and I hope you’re not too hot.”

The four-time Grand Slam champion then congratulated Muchova on winning the title:

“Also, congratulations, Karolina. You’re one of the coolest girls on tour, and it’s always really fun to play you. So, congratulations for an incredible tournament, and I hope you have the best of luck in Wimbledon as well.”

The Wimbledon draw is already out, with Osaka seeded 14th and scheduled to face Elsa Jacquemot in the opening round. However, it remains unclear whether she will be fit enough to compete after her injury scare.

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