Elena Rybakina Questions Electronic Line-Calling After Controversy at Madrid Open
Elena Rybakina, the reigning Australian Open champion, expressed her dissatisfaction with the electronic line-calling system following a controversial incident during her match against China’s Zheng Qinwen at the Madrid Open. The situation escalated when Zheng was awarded a pivotal ace at 40-0 while serving at 4-3 in the second set, despite Rybakina arguing that the mark clearly indicated the ball was out.
“With this system, I won’t trust it at all,” Rybakina voiced her frustration to reporters after securing her victory with a scoreline of 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, which granted her a place in the last 16. “There was no mark even close to what the television replay showed,” she emphasized, illustrating her deep discontent with the accuracy of the calling system.
Rybakina further drew a parallel between her experience and a previous dispute involving Alexander Zverev, who was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct following a similar disagreement over a contested call at the men’s tournament in Madrid the previous year. “It reminded me of what Zverev faced last year because the incident occurred right in front of her. It’s impossible not to see it, making it quite frustrating,” Rybakina added.
Describing the experience as akin to having a point “stolen,” Rybakina acknowledged Zheng’s strong serve but maintained that the occurrence was bothersome nonetheless. “I understand she was serving well, but it’s very upsetting to lose a point like that,” she lamented, signaling a potential area for improvement in the technology used for officiating matches.
Rybakina’s next challenge awaits her as she prepares to face Anastasia Potapova, with a coveted quarter-final spot on the line.
