Madison Keys is winning matches in Charleston, but she is not fully convinced by the technology shaping those results. After powering her way into the semifinals of the 2026 Charleston Open, the American admitted she still has doubts about electronic line calling on clay.
Even as she acknowledged that the system is likely more reliable than human judgment, Keys made it clear that trust remains an issue, especially on a surface where players can see the evidence with their own eyes.
Madison Keys Questions Electronic Line Calling Accuracy on Clay Courts
The debate over electronic line calling has intensified as tennis enters a new era. Clay courts have long stood apart because of their visible ball marks, which allow chair umpires to physically inspect close calls. That tradition created both drama and controversy, with players often disputing marks during tense moments.
With the ATP committed to fully implementing Electronic Line Calling Live since 2025, the sport is moving toward consistency and automation. Still, clay presents unique challenges, as its shifting surface can make technology appear at odds with what players believe they see on the court.
Keys’ comments reflect that tension. Speaking after her quarterfinal win, she admitted, “I don’t really trust ELC right now. We’re kind of fighting. I’ve actually even noticed a little bit on the hardcourt sometimes the ball mark and what shows up on the screen don’t always seem to align.”
On clay, she noted, those differences feel even more obvious. “I think that’s just kind of the reality of ELC, is it’s not going to be 100% perfect, but we have no one to yell at because you can’t scream that the machine is wrong. I still think it’s more accurate than eyes and all of that. So, I think it’s still the better choice, but no, I don’t always trust it.”
MORE: Madison Keys vs Yuliia Starodubtseva Preview: Head-to-Head, Prediction for Charleston Open 2026
How Has Keys Progressed at the 2026 Charleston Open?
The American tennis star’s remarks came as she continued an impressive run in Charleston, marking her best run of the season so far. As the No. 5 seed, she opened her campaign with straight-set victories over Donna Vekić, 6-2, 6-3, and Anna Bondár, 6-2, 7-5.
Her standout performance came in the quarterfinals, where she rallied from a set down to defeat the No. 3 seed, Belinda Bencic, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. She will now face Yuliia Starodubtseva for a spot in the final, looking to recapture the title she first won in 2019.
This is going to be their first meeting on the WTA Tour, with the winner meeting either fourth seed Iva Jovic or defending champion Jessica Pegula in the championship match.
