Wimbledon replaces human line judges with technology
In the world of tennis, few traditions have stood the test of time like Wimbledon’s human line judges. For over a century, these individuals have made instantaneous decisions that could shift the outcome of matches, with their calls sometimes sparking drama, excitement, and even controversy. However, starting next summer, this role will disappear from the Championships, with the All-England Club opting for technology in the name of maximum accuracy.
Wimbledon’s human line judges
Wimbledon, one of tennis’ most prestigious tournaments, has been home to human line judges for 147 years. These officials, dressed in traditional uniforms, have become iconic figures on the court. David Bayliss, who served as a line judge and umpire at Wimbledon for 22 years, witnessed many memorable moments, including Roger Federer’s first Grand Slam victory in 2003.
David Bayliss, a former Wimbledon line judge, fondly recalls the moments of tension and drama, but he also accepts that the game has moved on. Bayliss said, “The drama of a player shouting and making a challenge, and the crowd watching the screen and waiting for Hawk-Eye to make a decision, all of that drama is now lost.”
Emotional drama and advanced technology
One of the most exciting aspects of tennis has always been the emotional reactions to line calls. When a player challenges a call, the crowd holds its breath, waiting for the decision to appear on the screen.
The shift towards technology in tennis is not new. Hawk-Eye, a ball-tracking system, has been in use at Wimbledon for years, allowing players to challenge calls. This evolution has led Wimbledon to announce the complete removal of human line judges, following the example set by the ATP tour, which plans to implement the change in 2025.
Other major tournaments, like the US Open and Australian Open, have already replaced human officials with electronic line calling. The French Open will be the last Grand Slam tournament to retain its human judges, marking the end of an era in tennis officiating.
There is no doubt that technology offers accuracy that human eyes can’t match. Hawk-Eye, with its laser precision, has virtually eliminated bad calls. And in a game where millimetres can be the difference between victory and defeat, accuracy is paramount.
While technology removes some of the human drama, it also introduces new kinds of excitement. From 360-degree cameras capturing every angle of a sprint race to AI-driven data analysis that allows fans to dive deep into player performance, technology is creating its own brand of engagement.
Other sports’ experiences with technology
Cricket, like tennis, has integrated technology into its officiating. From DRS (Decision Review System) to ball-tracking technology, cricket has undergone a similar evolution. However, football’s relationship with technology has been more contentious. The VAR (Video Assistant Referee) system, introduced to improve decision-making, has often caused frustration among fans and players due to lengthy delays and unclear rulings.
Today’s tennis players largely trust the technology. Many have voiced their support for electronic line calling, knowing that the system is more consistent than humans. The disappearance of human line judges from Wimbledon marks a significant shift in tennis. While technology removes some of the human drama, it also introduces new kinds of excitement. From 360-degree cameras capturing every angle of a sprint race to AI-driven data analysis that allows fans to dive deep into player performance, technology is creating its own brand of engagement.
