Wimbledon 2025 Replaces Line Judges with AI System

JAKARTA, 27 June – The world’s most prestigious tennis tournament is embracing innovation. Beginning this year, Wimbledon 2025 will fully implement Electronic Line Calling (ELC) on all courts, marking a historic shift away from human line judges.

The All England Club confirmed the decision, which will reduce the number of on-court officials from approximately 300 line judges to just 80 match assistants, who will oversee technical operations and support roles.

“This is about accuracy and efficiency, not removing the human element entirely,” said a spokesperson for the All England Club.

The move follows in the footsteps of the Australian Open and the US Open, both of which have already transitioned to full ELC systems. Wimbledon had previously used a combination of human line judges and Hawk-Eye technology, but 2025 marks the first time ELC will be used tournament-wide.

What is Electronic Line Calling?

ELC is an advanced system that uses high-speed cameras and artificial intelligence to monitor the ball’s trajectory and instantly determine whether it’s in or out. The goal is to eliminate human error and enhance fairness.

The system has been praised for its precision and neutrality, and its widespread adoption is seen as a major milestone in tennis officiating.

Mixed Reactions from Players

Not all players are fully supportive of the change. Some have expressed concerns that the shift to AI removes the unique energy and tension that human line calls bring to a match.

“Those small arguments with line judges were part of the game’s emotion,” said one ATP player who requested anonymity.

However, tournament officials maintain that the benefits of consistency and speed outweigh any nostalgic drawbacks.

Balancing Tradition and Technology

Wimbledon has long been known for preserving its traditions — from the all-white dress code to its meticulously maintained grass courts. Yet the adoption of ELC reflects a willingness to evolve with the modern game.

“We remain committed to maintaining the essence of Wimbledon, while ensuring the highest standards of officiating,” said the All England Club in a statement.

By embracing AI, Wimbledon signals that tradition and technology can coexist, setting a new precedent for tennis tournaments around the world.