Australian Open drama as Brit angry after electronic line call chaos - 'What is going on?'

Sonay Kartal was baffled when the umpire gave her opponent a point

There was drama early on as Sonay Kartal finally took to the court to make her Australian Open main draw debut. The British No. 3 was made to wait hours to get on the court after rain wreaked havoc on day one. And there was more chaos when play got underway as Kartal was left frustrated by a rogue electronic line call that interrupted the players.

The Brit got on the board early on, holding to take a 1-0 lead over Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. But there was chaos after Bouzas Maneiro stepped up to serve.

Electronic line calling is used at the Australian Open, with ‘out’ calls coming automatically whenever a player sends the ball outside the lines. And one came as soon as the world No. 54 served for the first time. Both players stopped in response, with Bouzas Maneiro nonchalantly hitting the ball back over the net as Kartal halted. But, to their surprise, the chair umpire gave the Spaniard the point and called the score at 15-0. Kartal was stunned, waving her arms in disbelief.

Sonay Kartal struggled in her Australian Open main draw debut

SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Just in Casper Ruud publicly calls out rivals at Aus Open as stars put in awkward spot

Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news Join us on WhatsApp Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

“The call came as out, the electronic line call. What is going on there?” commentator Chris Bradnam asked. It quickly emerged that the call was from an adjacent court, coincidentally coming at the same time Bouzas Maneiro hit her serve. Bradnam added: “I think it was from another court. That's surprised everybody. That was weird. What are the chances of a call coming from another court and that exact moment.” The Brit conceded once she realised the confusion and continued playing as normal. But things quickly went from bad to worse for Kartal. The world No. 87 didn’t win another game in the first set as Bouzas Maneiro stormed through, winning the opener 6-1 in just half an hour. The Spaniard kept on rolling, taking an early break lead in the second.

Click here to read article