Erin Routliffe has admitted to feeling embarrassed after launching into a ‘dramatic’ outburst at the Australian Open. The 29-year-old went into a meltdown during her women’s doubles clash on Monday, in which she ranted to the umpire about ‘robots’.

She and her partner, Gabriela Dabrowski, were left frustrated by a questionable call during their victory over Beatriz Haddad Maia and Laura Siegemund.

Routliffe lost her temper when the umpire failed to call let on Haddad Maia’s serve despite the ball appearing to nick the top of the net. The former was convinced that a replay was due but the umpire deemed it a legal serve in spite of her protests.

There are no cameras aimed at the net at the Australian Open, meaning the chair umpire is responsible for determining whether or not a serve is legal.

After being informed about the lack of technology at the Margaret Court Arena, an incensed Routliffe stared down the official and shouted: “Oh my God, we have robots everywhere but you don’t have them for the net? Oh my goodness.”

A clip of Routliffe’s outburst was widely circulated on social media, prompting her to issue a response. She posted the clip on her own profile alongside the caption: “I feel like I have a point but also why so dramatic?”

Her fans thought it was hilarious, with @1gamesetmatch replying: “We love dramatic though, and you totally have a point!” @anivchenko, meanwhile, added: “No, please more drama in doubles, it makes it funnier.”

@JMunyack1974 wrote: “That’s classic. You have a great attitude and also yes you do have a point,” while @MawMaw_911 added: “Brought out your ‘feisty’ – love this! Super tool for the toolbox. Match momentum shift!”

Routliffe’s reference to ‘robots’ comes after the Australian Open ditched line judges in favour of an automated system, eliminating much of the human error attributed to errant line calls.

It was first introduced in 2021 in an effort to reduce the number of staff working on-site during the COVID-19 pandemic. The technology works with remote tracking cameras placed around the court, sending the audio line calls in real time.

Routliffe and Dabrowski eventually regained their composure to beat Haddad Maia and Siegemund and maintain their hopes of winning the women’s doubles title.

They are now into the semi-finals and will face Hsieh Su-wei and Jelena Ostapenko in the last four on Friday.