Kyrgios calls out Wimbledon over missing humans

Tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios has used his latest media employer’s platform to slam Wimbledon for letting go of human linespeople in favour of computerised calling.

The one-time No. 13 Australian who reached the All England club final in 2022 against Novak Djokovic, has never re-appeared on court at the iconic venue due to injuries and apparent lack of interest in his sport.

But the 30-year-old who was not offered a return media engagement at the current edition by the BBC after his debut on the broadcaster a year ago has found refuge in London’s talkSPORT, where he is offering tennis content.

And the Aussie seems particularly peeved by this year’s shift away from the human element on court – at least in the traditional confines of the club.

“I think Wimbledon should never change any rule,” he said. “It should be the only tournament that holds every tradition that ever started in tennis. 

“I think every other week (tournament) can have electronic line calling, but I wish Wimbledon kept it the same.”

The Australian added: “It’s been 148 years with human line calls. I think they could have got to 150 and done a big anniversary challenge.

Personally, I think it would have been cool to have traditions of tennis never change at Wimbledon – but the tennis world’s not going to listen to me.