Wimbledon to Replace Line Judges with AI Technology for 2025 Championships
Wimbledon has announced a major shift in its officiating for the 2025 championships, becoming the first tennis tournament in its 147-year history to completely eliminate line judges, replacing them with artificial intelligence. Starting from 2025, live electronic line calling (ELC) will be implemented on all courts at the All England Club, including the qualifying rounds in Roehampton.
The decision to adopt AI technology comes after successful testing during the 2024 championships. Sally Bolton, Wimbledon’s Chief Executive, said the move followed a “significant period of consideration and consultation,” emphasizing that the technology has proven to be robust and accurate, making it the right time for this transition.
Wimbledon first introduced line-calling technology with the Hawk-Eye system in 2007, which allowed players to challenge line calls. The adoption of ELC mirrors steps taken by the US Open and Australian Open in recent years, both of which replaced line judges with AI due to the pandemic. The ATP has also confirmed that all ATP Tour events will implement ELC from 2025, leaving the French Open as the only Grand Slam yet to commit to the technology.
While the introduction of AI officiating enhances accuracy and efficiency, concerns have been raised about the diminishing human element in tennis. The removal of line judges reduces part-time jobs for trained officials and disrupts the traditional career pathway for aspiring chair umpires, many of whom start as line officials. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) acknowledged these concerns and is working with the Association of British Tennis Officials to create strategies for retaining, recruiting, and supporting officials through the transition.
