Annabel Croft has slammed the Queen’s fault calls as sounding like a ‘whoopee cushion’. New technology has been introduced at this year’s tournament in a move set to be copied at Wimbledon later this summer.

At Queen’s, human line judges have been replaced by an electronic system that the ATP claims will “optimise accuracy and consistency across tournaments, match courts and surfaces”. The new system uses cameras, computers and sensors to track a ball and is used by tennis umpires to judge whether a ball is in or out. However, tennis has now been accused of losing a “little bit of character” by ending the use of line judges, whose calls would often be loud and sometimes amusing.

Speaking on the BBC’s coverage of Queen’s, commentator Andrew Cotter said: “Annabel is not impressed with the fault calls.”

Croft continued: “It’s a bit low level. It sort of sounds like a whoopee cushion, doesn’t it?”

Cotter concluded: “Of course, it is progress, but just a little bit of character from tennis has gone. We used to have some quite comically loud calls.”

Meanwhile, Wimbledon’s decision to adopt the technology means a 147-year tradition is over. The French Open is the only Grand Slam where line judges remain in full use.

“The decision to introduce Live Electronic Line Calling at The Championships was made following a significant period of consideration and consultation,” the All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton said.

“Having reviewed the results of the testing undertaken at The Championships this year, we consider the technology to be sufficiently robust and the time is right to take this important step in seeking maximum accuracy in our officiating.

“For the players, it will offer them the same conditions they have played under at a number of other events on tour. We take our responsibility to balance tradition and innovation at Wimbledon very seriously.

“Line umpires have played a central role in our officiating set-up at The Championships for many decades and we recognise their valuable contribution and thank them for their commitment and service.”

Dan Evans’ shock victory over Frances Tiafoe was the story of the day during Monday’s action. The Brit, who teamed up with Andy Murray to round off the two-time Wimbledon champion’s career at the Olympics last year, won in straight sets.

Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu’s run to the quarter-final has elevated her to British No. 1, ranked 36th in the world. She takes the crown of Katie Boulter, who is now the world No. 39.