“I would rather it was done automatically” – Murray on automated line calls, after match-defining moment against Tsitsipas

Andy Murray has weighed in the ongoing debate about automating line calls in tennis, after his loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas at Wimbledon 2023.

The former world No 1 was the victim of an incorrect line call himself in his second round defeat, in a moment which could have seen the match swing drastically.

Incorrect line call leaves Murray dejected

Andy Murray’s second round match against No 5 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was a back and forth affair.

Late in the fourth set, Murray had a critical opportunity to seize the match by the scruff of the neck and drive home his advantage. The Brit was up two sets to one, and leading 15-30 on Tsitsipas’ serve at 4-4 in the fourth.

Murray struck an excellent sharp backhand return which dipped over the net right in front of the umpire, but was called out by the linesperson. Hawkeye later confirmed that the ball was in fact in, but Murray did not challenge.

Had Murray been awarded the point, he would have had two break point opportunities to serve for the match.

“They shouldn’t be missing that” – Murray frustrated at umpire’s mistake

It wasn’t until the post-match press conference that Murray was informed his shot caught the line, and should not have been called out.

“I mean, that’s obviously frustrating,” the Brit responded, with a look of dejection that epitomised the fine margins of tennis. “It was right underneath the umpire’s nose. They shouldn’t be missing that, to be honest.

“If they’re unsure, they should let the player know, I think.”

Murray continued, explaining the frustration a player feels when line calls aren’t called correctly:

“I assumed the umpire would have made the right call. The lines person I think called it out. The umpire called it out. You can obviously argue it’s a mistake on my part. Ultimately the umpire made a poor call that’s right in front of her.”

Automation the answer, but at what cost?

Andy Murray explained that when such calls go against him, it increases his desire for automated line calls in the game.

“Right now I obviously would rather it was done automatically,” the 36-year-old declared.

However, Murray did go on to outline that it’s not quite as simple for him.

“It’s a hard one because I probably prefer having the lines judges on the court. I think, I don’t know, it feels nicer to me. The challenges, I think the crowd quite like it. I think for TV, they probably quite like it.

“But, yeah, when mistakes are getting made in important moments, then obviously as a player you don’t want that.”

The ATP Tour will be implementing automated line calls from 2025 onwards, but Wimbledon is yet to formally state what it’s position will be on the technology moving forward.

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