【London, UK】Tennis: Wimbledon Adopts Electronic Line Calling to Replace Line Judges

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Editor’s Note

This article reports on Wimbledon’s decision to replace its traditional line judges with an electronic review system starting in 2025, marking a significant shift for the historic tournament.

Une juge de ligne sur le court N.1 de Wimbledon, le 11 juillet 2024. (ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP)
The Bastion of Tradition Embraces Modernity

The British Grand Slam tournament announced on Wednesday that it will implement this change starting from the 2025 edition.

A line judge on Court No. 1 at Wimbledon, July 11, 2024. (ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP)

- (Franceinfo)

Wimbledon announced on Wednesday, October 9, that it will abandon its iconic line judges in favor of an electronic review system. Much like the all-white attire required of players or the strawberries and cream, line judges were an integral part of the scenery. However, the London tournament has just announced a major evolution, which organizers say aims to “balance tradition and innovation.”

Although Grand Slam tournaments remain free to make their own choices, the All England Club, which manages Wimbledon, has been won over by an electronic device that checks whether the ball has touched the line (ELC), which will be used from 2025.

“The officiating technology will be implemented for all matches, from the qualifiers to the final, and will cover ‘out’ and ‘fault’ calls that were previously made by line judges,” the organizers specified in a statement.
- (franceinfo)
Roland-Garros, the Only Grand Slam Tournament to Keep Its Line Judges
“We take very seriously our responsibility to balance tradition and innovation at Wimbledon. Line judges have played a central role in our officiating system (…) for many decades, and we recognize their valuable contribution and thank them for their commitment and service,” emphasized Sally Bolton, Chief Executive of the All England Club.

Already in place at the US Open and the Australian Open, only Roland-Garros, which is played on clay, still maintains its line judges during the French Open.

Les jeunes ne trinquent pas moins, ils trinquent autrement. (GETTY IMAGES)
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⏰ Published on: October 09, 2024