By Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Photo Credit: Charleston Tenis LLC
Charleston – the electronic line that call for clay is here, but is it 100% correct?
Some players are not that safe.
The WTA 500 Credit One Charleston Open Event is one of the first to use the electronic line by calling LIVE or ELC live on a Clay Court tour.
“Presenting the electronic line calling on one Charleston Open is a big historic moment, not only for Charleston but for all clay tours on the Hologic WTA tour,” said Charleston Tournament director Bob Moran. “This basic technology will bring expanded accuracy and durability to line calls in clay courts, setting a new standard in tennis.”
Elc Live is a constant in many difficult and court events, however Clay has shown a challenge to technology due to the unique nature of the surface. ELC live is now able to determine where a ball is lowered, mainly using the dust that creates a ball when sitting, along with the leaving mark, to determine its exact location.
While players in the past have long relied on a sign in court when they make their case with an umpire, this will no longer be allowed as ElC live will have the last word.
Players competing in Charleston this week with Elc Live, for the most part, are getting used to clay, but still have some doubts.
Hailey baptiste She said that while she is comfortable playing with Elc Live, she is still adapting to her use in clay.
Hailey Baptist’s reward for defeating Gadecki in its opening?A match against Emma Navarro in R2
#Charlelestonopen Pic.twitter.com/owdcszvots
– Credit a Charleston Open (@charlelelelestonopen) 1 April 2025
“I asked a question yesterday in my match in pairs if we saw a sign and you can see that the ball is out with the sign, but the electric line calling it inside, (we do)” What are we going to pass? “,” Baptiste said. “And (said umpire), with the machine.
“And I couldn’t understand it from the beginning, but then it was like, where the dust could move from (the ball). So that was my only concern.”
Danielle CollinsWhile admitting that ELC live speeds up the game, is concerned about its biggest impact on the lines that people working in the sport.
“Line’s electronic call can be a good thing. I’m not always convinced that the electronic call of the line is always correct,” Collins said. “I mean, it’s a robot, right?
“Just as there will be technical difficulties. I have had other matches where we have had the electronic line calls and it is very clear that there are some shady calls from both sides.
Ended in stylePic.twitter.com/xk67lrgpzp
– Credit a Charleston Open (@charlelelelestonopen) 1 April 2025
“I also appreciate it, having the line judges and the opportunity to give people work because I think there is now a lot of work done because of electronics.
“So this is a scary thing. This is a scary concept we are dealing with in our lives.”
“So I like to have the line judges for that purpose, and the tradition of the rich. But I also understand how electronic line calls can make some kind.”
Later this season, ElC Live will also be used in WTA 1000 events at Mutua Madrid Open and Internazionia BNL D’Italia (Rome).
