Wimbledon have scrapped the use of line judges in favour of technology that uses artificial intelligence to decide whether a ball landed out.
Line judges have been a permanent fixture at the All England Club for the duration of the tournament’s storied 147-year history.
Around 300 on-court officials, dressed in their traditional uniform, have been seen using their voices and arms to signal misplaced serves and shots.
However, starting at next year’s tournament in 2025, the line judges will be replaced on all 18 courts by the roll out of automated electronic line calling (ELC).
The technology, which can accurately determine where a ball landed within a tenth of a second, was first trialed in professional tennis back in 2017.
It is already used at the Australian and US Open and will now be adopted by Wimbledon in a move widely supported by players.
Explaining the decision, Chief executive Sally Bolton said: ‘The decision to introduce Live Electronic Line Calling at The Championships was made following a significant period of consideration and consultation.
‘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.’
In another announced change, the finals of both the women’s and men’s finals will move from their usual 2pm slot to start at 4pm in a bid to attract more viewers from north America.
The latest announcements come just weeks after Wimbledon was given the green light for a controversial expansion project that will see the All England Club build 39 new courts, including an 8,000-seat show court, on the adjacent former Wimbledon Park Golf Club and nearly triple the size of its current site.
The estimated cost of the redevelopment is around £200 million and is expected to be completed by 2030 at the earliest.
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Publicado: October 9, 2024 at 08:36AM
