London, July 3, 2025 (Agencies): For the first time in its 148-year history, Wimbledon has eliminated human line judges from its courts, replacing them with a fully automated electronic line-calling (ELC) system — a move that has stirred both praise and nostalgia across the tennis world.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) announced the change last October, citing a desire for “maximum accuracy” in officiating. More than 450 cameras now monitor all 18 courts, with automated voice calls replacing the familiar shouts of “out” and “fault” from uniformed officials.
Wimbledon CEO Sally Bolton said the decision followed extensive testing and consultation. “We believe the technology is now robust enough to ensure fairness and consistency,” she stated. The system mirrors those already adopted by the Australian and US Opens, leaving the French Open as the only Grand Slam still using human line judges.
Yet for many, the change marks the end of an era. Former line judge Pauline Eyre, who officiated at Wimbledon 16 times, described the experience as “a great feeling of pride” and lamented the loss of human presence. “Sport is about people,” she told CNN. “You take away the humanity from tennis, you’re taking away a lot of what it is.”
Fans and players have echoed similar sentiments. Some spectators say the courts now feel “empty,” and players like Frances Tiafoe have noted the absence of drama and crowd engagement that once accompanied line challenges. “There’s none of that ‘is it in, is it out’ suspense anymore,” he said.
To preserve some continuity, around 80 former line judges have been retained as “match assistants,” supporting chair umpires and standing by in case of technical failure. Their iconic Ralph Lauren uniforms remain, but their roles have shifted behind the scenes.
While the AELTC insists the move is not a cost-cutting measure, critics worry about the broader implications of automation in sport. Outside the gates, two students dressed as line judges held placards reading “AI took my job” and “Don’t sideline humans,” highlighting concerns about the future of officiating and employment.
As Wimbledon continues through its 2025 edition, the debate over balancing tradition with innovation remains front and center — a rally that may last far beyond this fortnight.