The 2025 Canadian Open semifinal scheduled between Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton encountered a significant delay due to a malfunction in the electronic line-calling system. This interruption occurred on Centre Court in Toronto just as the players were ready to start their match, forcing both athletes off the court while officials worked to resolve the issue.
The delay was caused by the electronic line-calling technology failing to function properly, resulting in a 15 to 20-minute pause before the semifinal could proceed. This unexpected event created tension and uncertainty before the contest got underway.
Details Behind the Electronic Line-Calling Glitch at the Canadian Open
Fritz and Shelton had both secured their spots in the Canadian Open semifinals with impressive victories, setting the stage for a highly anticipated all-American showdown. Both players completed their warm-up routines and entered Centre Court ready to compete.
However, just as officials were about to begin the match, the electronic line-calling system—used to verify close line calls—malfunctioned and required a reboot. This forced the players to leave the court temporarily. Tournament officials communicated the delay and explained that a system restart was necessary to restore functionality.
“15 – 20 minutes delay in the second semifinal at the Toronto ATP 1000. Issues with the electronic line calling system.” —edgeAI
Following the technical interruption, players returned to the court with a five-minute warm-up scheduled before play resumed, contingent upon the system’s cooperation.
“For those of you in Toronto at the stadium, the electronic line system needed a re-boot and players just now returned to the court. They will get a five-minute warmup, then, so long as technology cooperates, it is go-time for Fritz and Shelton.” —Arash Madani
The Role and History of Electronic Line Calling in Professional Tennis
The Electronic Line Calling Live (ELC Live) system was initially introduced during the 2017 Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan as part of experimental efforts to enhance officiating through technology. Since then, it has steadily become a fixture on the ATP Tour.
In 2023, the ATP announced the full implementation of this technology across all tour-level matches beginning in 2025. The objective behind adopting this system is to standardize and increase the accuracy of line calls, reducing human error and ensuring fairness in both main and qualifying draws on multiple types of court surfaces.
Ben Shelton Advances to His First Masters 1000 Final After Defeating Taylor Fritz
Despite the disruption caused by the electronic line-calling delay, the semifinal between Shelton and Fritz eventually proceeded, culminating in a straight-sets victory for Shelton. The 22-year-old American won 6-4, 6-3 just after midnight, marking a critical milestone in his emerging career.
Shelton had already performed strongly in the 2025 season, with prior Grand Slam losses only to top players such as Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, and Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open. His path to the Canadian Open semifinal included wins over Adrian Mannarino, Brandon Nakashima, Flavio Cobolli, and Alex de Minaur.
Next, Shelton is set to face Karen Khachanov in the final on August 7, aiming to capture his first-ever Masters 1000 title and build on his breakthrough season.
Implications of the Delay and What to Expect Moving Forward
The technical issues experienced during the Fritz versus Shelton match highlight ongoing challenges with the integration of electronic systems in tennis. While the goal of these innovations is to enhance fairness, reliance on technology introduces new risks of disruption, especially in high-stakes matches.
For players and officials, managing these malfunctions demands patience and adaptability, as seen during this Canadian Open semifinal. As the ATP continues to expand the use of electronic line calling, ensuring the equipment’s reliability will be crucial to maintaining smooth tournament operations and player confidence.
Ben Shelton’s victory positions him as a rising contender on the ATP Tour, with his upcoming final appearance at the Canadian Open poised to further elevate his profile in the sport.