The greatest tennis players in the world will be left to rage against a machine after any tight line calls at Wimbledon next year as the All England C

You cannot be serious? Wimbledon abolishes line judges after 147 years

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2024-10-09 17:00:06

The greatest tennis players in the world will be left to rage against a machine after any tight line calls at Wimbledon next year as the All England Club will break with tradition by removing line judges from all courts during the championships for the first time in its 147-year history.

From 2025 onwards live electronic line calling (ELC) will be used on all courts in both the main draw at the All England Club and the qualifying tournament off-site in Roehampton. The new technology was successfully tested during this year’s championships.

Wimbledon’s 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 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.

While the move represents a historic change for the tournament, it also simply reflects the direction that the rest of the sport has been moving in for some time.