WATCH: Umpire and electronic line-calling system make extraordinary error in Athens

One of 2025's worst umpiring mistakes occurred at the 2025 Athens Open, where Miomir Kecmanovic was somehow awarded a point despite clearly hitting a shot wide.

Electronic line-calling is now used at most ATP and WTA tournaments on the calendar. Some 250-level events still use line judges, but that does not apply to the Athens Open, which has the automated system.

The French Open caused controversy by announcing that it will not use the automated system in 2026, trusting its line judges instead. That means umpires going down to check marks is guaranteed to continue.

Overall, disputes about calls are less frequent than previously. However, the system occasionally malfunctions, which can cause disputes and confusion. That occurred in the match between Kecmanovic and Kamil Majchrzak.

The Pole held a break point at 5-6, 40-30 in the opening set. Kecmanovic clearly dragged a backhand wide off the return, leading to Majchrzak celebrating, assuming he had taken the set to a tiebreak.

However, the automated system never went off. That meant Majchrzak needed a focused umpire to notice the ball had landed considerably out, call it, and announce that he had won the game to make it 6-6.

Instead, the umpire awarded the point to Kecmanovic after the video below ended. Although mistakes happen, the chair official not realizing the ball had landed so far out was scarcely believable and a significant mistake.

Kecmanovic could have also conceded the point or asked for confirmation that showed the ball was out. Instead, the Serbian did not do that and accepted being given the point despite it being an injustice.

Ultimately, no harm was caused because Majchrzak went on to break anyway for 6-6. Kecmanovic won the match 7-6, 7-6 after a tight battle filled with several grueling rallies for the Greek fans to enjoy.

This story may not receive widespread attention since Majchrzak did not make a scene and broke in that game anyway. However, it is an important reminder that the automated system is not infallible.

Umpires' jobs have generally become easier since the implementation of electronic line-calling at many tournaments, but that has not eliminated all arguments between umpires and officials.

Alcaraz fumed at Irish umpire Fergus Murphy in the 2025 Japan Open final against Taylor Fritz. After a lengthy and intense exchange, the Spaniard received a time violation after going over the allowed 25 seconds.

This year's French Open and Wimbledon champion thought Murphy did not show enough understanding and repeatedly accused him of never having played tennis. Alcaraz went on to win the final.

Daniil Medvedev, known for his antics during matches, was angry at the 2025 China Open about receiving a time violation. He was struggling physically in the contest against Learner Tien, which made the violation harsh. Medvedev ultimately retired in the third set.

Although the electronic system malfunctioning caused the problem in Kecmanovic and Majchrzak's battle, players being given time violations is the most common reason for tension with umpires.