Wimbledon will replace linesmen with automatic electronic line calling (ELC) from 2025, marking the end of a 147-year tradition at the All England Club (AELTC).
In a statement on Wednesday, the AELTC said: “The decision to adopt Live ELC was made following the successful completion of extensive testing during this year's Championship and builds on existing ball tracking and line calling technology that has been in place for many years. “
Wimbledon made the decision after being convinced of the greater efficiency of the ELC compared to the existing system, in which linesmen are supported by a challenge system using Hawk-Eye technology.
The AI-powered ELC system has become increasingly visible at tennis tournaments since its introduction at the 2020 US Open. It was then primarily intended to reduce the number of people on court during the Covid-19 pandemic, but has since been adopted as more efficient and a statistically accurate telephone line system.
ELC is used at the US Open and Australian Open, and will be used at all ATP major tournaments from next year. This is generally preferred by players, who can usually rely on the technology without having to get involved in refereeing games or worry about having to hit a marginal ball over the net.
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At last year's Wimbledon, Andy Murray was on the wrong side in the final stages of his second-round match against Stefanos Tsitsipas. If ELC had been there, the Greek's return to Murray's service would have been recorded at 15-30, 4-4. Murray, who dragged Tsitsipas out of bounds, would have had a chance to take the point and move to 15-40 with two break points before serving at 5-4 in the final set. Instead, the referee took the shot, made no challenge, and lost the match, and soon thereafter the entire match.
“At the moment, obviously I would prefer it to be done automatically,” Murray said when it emerged his shot had been misplaced. “It's difficult because I probably prefer to have linesmen on the pitch.
“I feel more comfortable. I think the audience likes the challenge. I think with TV they probably like it. But when mistakes are made in important moments, of course as a player you don't want that.
Wimbledon faced such a dilemma. They were desperate to part with the 300 linesmen they use every year and felt that distinctly dressed staff were an important part of the court's aesthetic.
Ultimately, the belief that ELC would be a product of the highest quality prevailed. There is no doubt that the use of Hawk-Eye at Wimbledon since 2007 has been a great success and has led to better officiating.
“The decision to introduce live electronic calls at the Championships has been made after a long period of consideration and consultation,” said AELTC chief executive Sally Bolton.
Wimbledon has used linesmen for 147 years. (Simon Bruty/Anychance via Getty Images)
“After reviewing the results of the tests carried out at this year's Championships, we believe that the technology is sufficiently robust and the time is right to take this important step in the pursuit of maximum accuracy in officiating. Players will be offered the same conditions as they have played at many other events on the tour.
“We take our responsibility to balance tradition and innovation at Wimbledon very seriously. Line judges have played a key role in our Championship refereeing line-up for many decades and we appreciate their valuable contribution and thank them for their commitment and service.
The decision came at an opportune time when there were a number of disputes between players and referees during this week's Shanghai Masters tournament. Frances TiafoeAlexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas criticized referees for what they believed were incorrect calls over the past 24 hours – although neither were related to the entry or exit calls dealt with by the ELC.
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In another break from tradition, the AELTC revealed on Wednesday that from next year the men's and women's finals will be held at 4pm rather than 2pm. Both will be preceded by the doubles final at 1:00 p.m
“Doubles players competing in the finals will have greater confidence in their schedule, and fans will enjoy each day of play as it builds towards the crescendo of the men's and women's singles finals, where our champions will be crowned in front of the greatest possible worldwide audience, Bolton said.
(Top photo: Sebastien Bozon/AFP via Getty Images)
