Wimbledon ends 147 years of tradition with line judges replaced by AI technology

Wimbledon is replacing line judges with electronic line-calling, the latest step into the modern age by the oldest grand slam tennis tournament.

The All England Club announced Wednesday that technology will be used to give the “out” and “fault” calls at the championships from 2025, eliminating the need for human officials to make them.

Wimbledon organisers said the decision to adopt live electronic line calling was made following extensive testing at the 2024 tournament and “builds on the existing ball-tracking and line-calling technology that has been in place for many years.”

Line judges at Wimbledon have famously dressed in elegant uniforms and, for traditionalists, were part of the furniture at the All England Club for the past 147 years.

“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,” said Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Club.

“For the players, it will offer them the same conditions they have played under at a number of other events on tour.”

The move makes the French Open the only grand slam tournament without some form of electronic line-calling. The Australian Open and US Open already had eliminated line judges and only have chair umpires on court.

Bolton said Wimbledon had a responsibility to “balance tradition and innovation.”

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

One line judge said it was a “shame” he won’t get the opportunity to officiate again.

Line-calling technology has long been used at Wimbledon and other tennis tournaments to call whether serves are in or out.

At the US Open, there has been no line judges — and only chair umpires — since 2021, with Hawk-Eye Live electronic line-calling used for all courts.

The All England Club also said Wednesday that the women’s and men’s singles finals will be scheduled to take place at the later time of 4pm local time on the second Saturday and Sunday, respectively — and after doubles finals on those days.

Bolton said the moves have been made to ensure the day of the finals “builds towards the crescendo of the ladies’ and gentlemen’s singles finals, with our champions being crowned in front of the largest possible worldwide audience.”