The 2025 Canadian Open semifinal between Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton was disrupted by an electronic error, which resulted in a late-night delay.
The electronic line-calling system has frequently been scrutinized by players on tour, particularly over close calls that often spark disagreement. These disputed decisions have occasionally led to tense exchanges with opponents or the chair umpire.
Fritz and Shelton also had trouble with the controversial technology, although this time, it occurred even before the match began. Here’s what happened next.
What Caused the Delay in Taylor Fritz-Ben Shelton Canadian Open SF?
Fritz and Ben Shelton set up a blockbuster all-American semifinal at the Canadian Open, with the former defeating Andrey Rublev and Shelton getting past Alex de Minaur to book their spots.
Both players had completed their warm-up and were ready to begin their semifinal clash upon entering Centre Court in Toronto.
15 – 20 minutes delay in the second semifinal at the Toronto ATP 1000.
Issues with the electronic line calling system.
Ben Shelton vs Taylor Fritz pic.twitter.com/THY4P0A9Hw
— edgeAI (@edgeAIapp) August 7, 2025
However, just as the match was about to begin, an issue with the electronic line-calling system caused an unexpected delay. Despite completing their warm-up, both players were abruptly asked to leave the court while officials rebooted the system. The technical glitch resulted in a 15–20 minute delay before play could finally get underway.
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. pic.twitter.com/CceR7iNw92
— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) August 7, 2025
The Electronic Line Calling Live (ELC Live) was first trialed at the 2017 Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan as part of a wave of innovative technological experiments. Since then, it has gradually gained traction on tour. In fact, in 2023, the ATP announced the system would be adopted across all tour-level events starting in 2025.
The primary goal behind the decision was to improve the accuracy and consistency of calls across all tournaments, courts, and surfaces, ensuring fairness for players in both main draw and qualifying rounds.
Ben Shelton defeats Taylor Fritz to Reach First Masters 1000 Final at Canadian Open
Ben Shelton, whose 2025 Grand Slam losses so far have come against Jannik Sinner (Australian Open, Wimbledon) and Carlos Alcaraz (French Open), has made the most of the duo’s absence in Toronto.
The American beat Adrian Mannarino, Brandon Nakashima, Flavio Cobolli, and Alex de Minaur before his Wednesday semifinal against Taylor Fritz. Against his compatriot, the 22-year-old secured a straight-sets win (6-4, 6-3), just past midnight.
Shelton faces Karen Khachanov in the title clash on Thursday, August 7, as he chases his first-ever Masters 1000 title.
