Wimbledon Ushers in New Era with Electronic Line Calling

Wimbledon will replace traditional line judges with an electronic system for line calling from next year. This change aims to maximize accuracy and mirrors similar adjustments made by other Grand Slam events. The move signals a blend of innovation with tradition in officiating tennis's prestigious championship.

Wimbledon is set to make a significant change by replacing line judges with an electronic line calling system starting next year, as confirmed by the All England Club on Wednesday.

For 147 years, the presence of line judges has been a familiar sight at Wimbledon, but their role is about to be supplanted by technology. This follows a trend seen across tennis, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, with electronic line calling becoming the standard at other major events like the ATP Tour from 2025, the Australian Open, and the U.S. Open, though the French Open still leans on human judgment.

The shift means traditional line call debates, a staple of Wimbledon's history, will become obsolete, marking the end of an era celebrated and occasionally contested by players and fans alike. The change comes with a new schedule for the finals, accommodating fans and players in a way that enhances the viewing experience and crowns champions in prime time.

(With inputs from agencies.)