Wimbledon Faces Heat Over Fully Automated Line Calls

Wimbledon’s tech leap draws backlash over line call automation…

JAKARTA, July 9, 2025 — The All England Club’s bold move to implement fully automated line-calling technology at this year’s Wimbledon Championships has sparked a wave of backlash from players, fans, and purists of the sport.

For the first time in the tournament’s storied history, traditional human line judges have been completely replaced by Hawk-Eye Live – a real-time, AI-powered system that determines whether a ball is in or out without any on-court human intervention. While the change is meant to improve accuracy and eliminate human error, it hasn’t gone down smoothly with everyone.

Critics argue the switch strips Wimbledon of its unique charm, long characterized by the presence of impeccably dressed officials and the nuanced human element they bring to the game.

“Wimbledon has always stood for tradition and elegance,” said former champion and commentator Tim Henman.

“Losing the human touch feels like losing a piece of the tournament’s soul.”

The controversy reached a boiling point when several high-profile matches saw disputed calls during crucial points. In a tense fourth-round clash, one player visibly protested a call that appeared questionable even on replay, reigniting debates about the infallibility of the system.

Social media has been abuzz, with hashtags like #BringBackLineJudges trending among nostalgic fans. Some point out that the system, while generally accurate, lacks the flexibility and emotional intelligence of a human official — especially in moments requiring interpretation or empathy, such as foot faults or player interactions.

Tournament organizers, however, remain firm in their stance.

“The decision reflects our commitment to innovation and fairness,” said a Wimbledon spokesperson.

“The technology has been thoroughly tested and aligns with the broader direction of professional tennis.”

Still, the debate continues to highlight the ongoing tension between tradition and innovation in modern sport. As tennis continues to evolve, Wimbledon now finds itself at the crossroads of heritage and high-tech precision — with the world watching every line.