Wimbledon will introduce electronic line calling starting next year, replacing traditional line judges. This change was confirmed by the All England Club on Wednesday.
For 147 years, line judges have been a familiar sight at Wimbledon, but starting from the next Championships, the Hawk Eye Live Electronic Line Calling (Live ELC) system will be used. This decision follows successful tests conducted at this year's Championships.
Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), said, "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."
While players will benefit from consistent conditions similar to other major tournaments, traditionalists may feel nostalgic as this marks the end of human line calls and the popular Hawk Eye challenges where players could request video reviews.
Chair umpires will continue to be present during matches. Bolton added, "We take our responsibility to balance tradition and innovation at Wimbledon very seriously. Line umpires have played a central role in our officiating at The Championships for many decades and we recognise their valuable contribution and thank them for their commitment and service."
The electronic system, known for its high-speed accuracy, will make quick calls of 'out' or 'fault.'
Electronic line calling was first used as an experiment at the ATP Next Gen Finals in Milan in 2017 and was adopted more widely during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be used on all courts across ATP Tour events from 2025.
The Australian Open and U.S. Open have already replaced line judges with electronic calling although the French Open still relies on the human eye.
Additionally, the scheduling for the 138th Wimbledon finals will change. The women's and men's singles finals will start at 1600 local time on the second Saturday and Sunday, respectively, following the men's and women's doubles finals.
Bolton explained, "The doubles players competing in the finals will have increased certainty over their schedule and fans will enjoy each day's play as it 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."
