Sorana Cirstea Raises Concerns About Technology During Match Against Iga Swiatek
During her recent match against Iga Swiatek, Sorana Cirstea expressed her frustration with the technology used in tennis. Serving to stay in the first set at 3-5, Cirstea believed a forehand from the reigning Wimbledon champion was out, even though the automated system confirmed it was in. Despite the umpire showing her the replay, Cirstea continued to voice her displeasure, prompting the official to remind her to choose her words carefully.
“Sorana, let’s be mindful of the language we use, okay? For me, it was very close to the line. The system is functioning, and it’s showing the correct information on the court. We need to keep playing and watch our language,” the umpire advised.
The world No. 138’s frustrations didn’t stop there; she also complained about the service speeds not being displayed on the electronic boards. After holding serve, Sky Sports cut to a break, but when coverage returned, commentator Jonathan Overend noted that Cirstea was still upset.
“Cirstea’s ongoing complaints to the umpire focus on why the serve speeds aren’t appearing on the back board. She seems quite frustrated about it, Annabel, and I’m not entirely sure why,” Overend remarked.
Former professional player Annabel Croft responded, “I think she’s trying to demonstrate that if the technology isn’t functioning properly, how can she trust any of it? That seems to be her underlying concern, but it’s a complex issue. She’s linking her frustrations to the reliability of technology in the match.”
Cirstea’s concerns highlight the growing role of technology in tennis and how it impacts players’ experiences on the court. As technology continues to evolve, it’s crucial for players and officials to navigate these challenges effectively.
