Archive · 28 Jun 2025
Wimbledon Swaps Line Judges for AI in Latest Tech Shift
Wimbledon is making a big change in tennis!
Instead of people watching the lines and calling the shots, they're using a computer system with cameras.
This means less need for line judges.
The change has already happened in other big tennis tournaments.
While it means a change, the tournament is making sure some of the former line judges still have a job.
They will help umpires and make sure the new system works well.
Wimbledon is replacing line judges with Electronic Line Calling (ELC).
Around 80 line judges will become 'match assistants'.
The ELC system uses over 450 cameras.
The switch follows a trend set by the Australian and US Opens.
The decision was made after extensive testing last year.
- Who
- Wimbledon organizers and tennis officials.
- What
- Wimbledon is replacing line judges with electronic line-calling (ELC).
- When
- Starting at the upcoming tournament.
- Where
- Wimbledon, London.
- Why
- To embrace technology and ensure accurate line calls.
Tradition vs. Innovation
Fairness
Maintaining Heritage
Tradition vs. Innovation
Some may view the change as a loss of a unique aspect of Wimbledon.
Fairness
Tournament officials see the change as a necessary evolution for fair play.
- Change
- Electronic Line Calling (ELC) replacing line judges
- Number of Cameras
- Over 450
- Line Judge Role
- Match assistants to support umpires
- Start Date
- Upcoming Wimbledon
- Previous Testing
- Extensive testing at last year's event
- Other Tournaments
- Australian and US Open already use ELC
