Australian Open Faces Backlash Over Absence of Automatic 'Let' Machines

Players and fans criticize the reliance on chair umpires for let calls, citing outdated officiating at a technologically advanced Grand Slam.

The absence of automatic 'let' machines at the 2025 Australian Open has sparked frustration among players, including Erin Routliffe, Jessica Pegula, and Tommy Paul.
Former tennis pro Lindsay Davenport revealed that the company manufacturing 'let' machines went bankrupt, leaving chair umpires to make manual let calls across tournaments for months.
Erin Routliffe's third-round doubles match and Tommy Paul's quarterfinal match featured disputes over missed 'let' calls, leading to criticism of the officiating process.
Alexander Zverev, despite benefiting from a missed call, called the lack of 'let' machines at a Grand Slam 'ridiculous' given the sport's extensive use of other advanced technologies.
The controversy highlights a technological gap in tennis officiating, despite innovations like live electronic line-calling and behind-the-scenes fan experiences at the Australian Open.