June 30, 2025

Wimbledon, known for its traditional charm, is set to undergo a significant change as the tournament bids farewell to line judges. In a historic move, Wimbledon has decided to replace the traditional line judges with electronic line-calling technology starting from 2025. This decision aligns Wimbledon with other Grand Slam tournaments like the Australian Open and the U.S. Open, which have already transitioned to electronic systems. The move comes after extensive testing during last year's Championships, where live Electronic Line-Calling (ELC) was trialed. With over 450 cameras installed at Wimbledon and the qualifying tournament in Roehampton, the new system will rely on machines to make decisions previously handled by human judges. While some may view the elimination of line judges as a loss of Wimbledon's magical touch, tournament director Jamie Baker believes it enhances the iconic Wimbledon brand. By emphasizing the green grass courts and white tennis attire, the tournament aims to uphold its unique identity while embracing technological advancements. Despite the shift towards innovation, Wimbledon remains committed to protecting its heritage, including the strict enforcement of the traditional all-white attire rule. The introduction of electronic line-calling not only ensures fair play and accuracy but also adds a new dimension for spectators. While the decision may stir nostalgia for the days of line judges, players and officials have largely adapted to the advanced technology, making the transition seamless. To maintain the highest standards of competition integrity, Wimbledon will deploy match assistants to support umpires and provide contingency in case of system failures. Ultimately, the move towards electronic line-calling signifies Wimbledon's dedication to evolving with the times while staying true to the essence of the sport.

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Tags: Wimbledon, Line judges, Electronic line-calling, Tennis, Tournament,