Wimbledon to Introduce Automated Electronic Line Calling from 2025

Bringing to an end a 147 year-old tradition, Wimbledon is to introduce automated electronic line calling (ELC) from 2025, replacing human line judges.

The All England Club (AELTC) made the announcement following extensive testing during the 2023 Championships, confirming that the tournament’s historic reliance on line judges will give way to a fully automated system. This transition signals a modernisation of the officiating process at one of tennis’ most prestigious events.

The adoption of Live ELC is seen as a natural evolution in Wimbledon’s use of technology. AELTC’s chief executive, Sally Bolton, stated, “The decision to introduce Live Electronic Line Calling at The Championships was made following a significant period of consideration and consultation.”

She added that the technology, which had been rigorously tested, proved reliable and that the time was right to enhance accuracy in officiating. The shift builds on the existing ball-tracking and line-calling systems that have been in use for years, including the widely trusted Hawk-Eye technology.

Wimbledon’s move to ELC comes after the growing prominence of the system in professional tennis.

Initially introduced at the 2020 U.S. Open, ELC was first implemented as a safety measure to reduce the number of people on the court during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, it has been widely adopted, becoming the preferred system at major tournaments like the U.S. Open and Australian Open.

Players and officials alike have praised ELC for its precision and efficiency, which often surpasses human judgment. From 2024, the technology will be used at all ATP events on the main tour, and its upcoming debut at Wimbledon is seen as a welcome advancement in ensuring fairness and accuracy.

For players, the change is expected to be largely positive. ELC’s use minimises human error, offering players more consistent rulings without the need for them to rely on challenges.

One of the most famous recent incidents involving a questionable line call occurred at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships when former champion Andy Murray found himself on the wrong end of a critical call during his match against Stefanos Tsitsipas. Murray, who did not challenge the call, later learned that the ball had been incorrectly ruled out. The call may have shifted the momentum of the match, which Murray ultimately lost.

“Right now I obviously would rather it was done automatically,” Murray said when told about the error. He acknowledged, however, that he still had a soft spot for the tradition of having line judges on court, as they contribute to the aesthetic and atmosphere of the match.

This balancing act between tradition and technological innovation has been at the core of Wimbledon’s decision-making process. The AELTC has long prided itself on maintaining the heritage of the tournament, from its iconic grass courts to the understated elegance of its officiating team, including the 300 line judges who work each year.

Their presence, dressed in distinctive uniforms, has long been part of the tournament’s charm. However, as Bolton emphasised, the priority must be on ensuring that matches are decided by the most accurate means possible.

“For the players, it will offer them the same conditions they have played under at a number of other events on tour,” she said.

While ELC offers unparalleled precision, there are mixed feelings among some players and fans about the removal of line judges from the court.

As Murray pointed out, the challenge system—where players are allowed to question close calls—has become a fan favorite, and many spectators enjoy the drama and excitement that accompanies a successful challenge.

However, mistakes in high-stakes moments, as demonstrated in Murray’s match, can lead to frustration and, ultimately, injustice in the outcome of a game. By fully automating line calls, Wimbledon hopes to eliminate such controversies and provide a smoother, error-free experience for players and fans alike.

The transition to ELC also comes at a time when disputes over officiating are increasingly common. At the 2023 Shanghai Masters, several top players, including Frances Tiafoe, Alexander Zverev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, were involved in heated arguments with umpires over what they deemed incorrect rulings.

Though these disputes did not directly involve line calls, they highlight the ongoing tension between players and human officials, underscoring the appeal of an automated system that can offer more objectivity in officiating decisions.

In addition to the introduction of ELC, Wimbledon will also introduce another significant scheduling change in 2025.

Both the men’s and women’s finals will start at 4 p.m., a shift from the traditional 2 p.m. slot. This adjustment will be preceded by a doubles final at 1 p.m., allowing doubles players more certainty in their scheduling and enhancing the viewer experience by building anticipation toward the singles finals.

“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,” Bolton explained.

The combination of ELC and the revised scheduling reflects Wimbledon’s efforts to embrace change while respecting its history. As the Championships look toward a future where technology enhances accuracy and fairness, fans and players alike will witness a new chapter in the tournament’s storied legacy.

Main Image: Georgio via wikipedia.

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