By Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Photo credit: Charleston Tennis LLC
The era of electronic line calling on clay has arrived, but how precise is it?
Some players are voicing their concerns.
As part of the WTA 500 Credit One Charleston Open, this tournament stands out as one of the pioneers to implement Electronic Line Calling Live (ELC Live) on the clay surface.
“Integrating Electronic Line Calling at the Credit One Charleston Open is a groundbreaking advancement, not only for our event but for all clay tournaments on the Hologic WTA Tour,” declaredBob Moran, the Tournament Director. “This innovative technology will deliver greater accuracy and uniformity in line calls across clay courts, establishing a new benchmark in tennis.”
While ELC Live is commonplace at various hard and grass court tournaments, adapting it to clay has presented unique challenges due to the surface’s characteristics. The technology uses the dust created by the ball upon landing, combined with the mark it leaves, to pinpoint its exact position.
Traditionally, players have relied on visual marks on the court for dispute resolution with umpires, but with ELC Live in play, the machine’s verdict is final.
Most players competing in Charleston this week are adjusting to ELC Live on clay, yet some remain skeptical.
Hailey Baptiste mentioned that she feels comfortable using ELC Live but is still in the process of adapting to it on clay.
Hailey Baptiste’s reward for defeating Gadecki in her opener?
A matchup against Emma Navarro in R2 👀#CharlestonOpen pic.twitter.com/oWdCSZVOTS
— Credit One Charleston Open (@CharlestonOpen) April 1, 2025
“I raised a question during my doubles match about what to do if we see a mark indicating the ball is out, yet the electronic line calling says it’s in. We asked, ‘Which one prevails?'”, Baptiste explained. “The umpire responded with, ‘The machine’.” Initially confused, she added, “But then I learned it’s based on where the dust moves from the ball. That was my only hesitation.”
Danielle Collins, while recognizing that ELC Live speeds up the game, raised concerns regarding its potential consequences for line judges in the sport.
“I think electronic line calling can be beneficial, but I’m not always fully convinced of its accuracy,” Collins remarked. “After all, it’s still a robot, right? There will be technical glitches. I’ve experienced matches where electronic line calls were clearly incorrect, affecting both players.”
Finished in style ♨️ pic.twitter.com/XK67LrgpzP
— Credit One Charleston Open (@CharlestonOpen) April 1, 2025
“I also value the presence of line judges and the job opportunities they provide. There’s a genuine concern about job losses due to automation,” Collins expressed. “The idea that we are navigating such changes in our lifetime is quite daunting. I appreciate having line judges for that reason and for the traditions they uphold. However, I can see how electronic line calls can also enhance the pace of play.”
ELC Live is set to make its debut at WTA 1000 events later this season, including the Mutua Madrid Open and the Internazionali BNL d’Italia (Rome).
