Nick Kyrgios has strongly criticized Wimbledon’s use of AI-powered line judges, labeling the new technology a “disaster” and an “absolute s*** show.”
Kyrgios Slams AI Tech
The Australian tennis star, a former Wimbledon finalist, didn’t mince words in a recent podcast with Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg. Kyrgios expressed his frustration, stating the organizers rushed the new system into the prestigious tournament.
He emphasized that Wimbledon is the “Champions League” of tennis, yet malfunctions have been a frequent issue in almost every match. This, he believes, undermines the integrity and spectacle of the sport’s biggest event.
What Are AI Line Judges?
AI line judges are automated systems designed to determine if a ball is in or out using advanced camera technology. They were introduced to replace human line judges, aiming for greater consistency and efficiency in calls.
Tradition vs. Technology
Kyrgios argued that Wimbledon should remain a tournament where traditions hold strong, suggesting the continued use of human line umpires and player challenges. While he supports the evolution of the sport, he questioned the timing and readiness of this technology for such a major event.
He’s not alone in his concerns. Other prominent players like Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper have also voiced their displeasure, citing issues with accuracy and the disruptions caused by the new system during matches.
Real-World Glitches
A notable incident occurred during a match between Sonay Kartal and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, where the AI system failed to register an out ball. Organizers later apologized, attributing the error to human error – specifically, someone accidentally deactivating the system mid-game.
The Call for Proper Testing
Mark Clattenburg, the podcast host, echoed Kyrgios’s sentiments, drawing parallels to the introduction of VAR in football. He highlighted that VAR underwent extensive testing over several years in smaller tournaments before its full rollout in the Premier League.
Clattenburg suggested Wimbledon could have kept human line umpires this year, using the AI technology as a backup to verify accuracy rather than a primary decision-maker. This cautious approach would have allowed for thorough testing.
Losing the “Spectacle”
Beyond accuracy, Kyrgios also touched upon the entertainment aspect of the sport. He provocatively asked about players like himself and John McEnroe, whose iconic run-ins with line umpires have provided memorable moments in tennis history. The famous “You cannot be serious!” line, for example, is still replayed decades later.
Kyrgios believes these human interactions contribute to the sport’s drama and legacy, elements that are lost when machines take over. Both he and Clattenburg agreed that Wimbledon “just dropped it in and it’s been a disaster.”
- Nick Kyrgios called Wimbledon’s AI line judges an “absolute s*** show” and a “disaster.”
- He believes the technology was rushed into the tournament without sufficient testing.
- Other players like Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper have also expressed concerns about its accuracy.
- A malfunction during a match was blamed on accidental human deactivation of the system.
- Kyrgios argues that the AI system detracts from the traditional spectacle and human drama of tennis.
The debate around technology in sports continues, with players and officials weighing the benefits of automation against the cherished traditions and human element of the game.
