Credits: X

Credits: X

The elite tennis tournament Wimbledon is all set to replace its line judges with the Live Electronic Line Calling from 2025. This is for the first time in the history of the tournament in 147 years that all 300 human officials will be replaced with artificial intelligence from the next season. The All England Club, the venue for the prestigious tournament, confirmed the same and announced the decision to introduce an automated electronic line (ELC) on all 18 match courts via web. 

The official statement from the All England Club read, "Live Electronic Line Calling (Live ELC) will be adopted at The Championships from 2025. The officiating technology will be in place for all Championships and Qualifying match courts and cover the 'out' and 'fault' calls that have previously been made by line umpires.” 

We consider the technology to be sufficiently robust: Sally Bolton, Chief Executive of the All England Club

Sally Bolton, in her statement said that the decision was made after a considered period of consultation. She said, "The decision to introduce Live Electronic Line Calling at The Championships was made following a significant period of consideration and consultation.” She added, “Having reviewed the results of the testing undertaken at The Championships this year, we consider the technology to be sufficiently robust, and the time is right to take this important step in seeking maximum accuracy in our officiating. For the players, it will offer them the same conditions they have played under at a number of other events on tour."

Sally went on to say, “We take our responsibility to balance tradition and innovation at Wimbledon very seriously. Line umpires have played a central role in our officiating set-up at The Championships for many decades, and we recognise their valuable contribution, thanking them for their commitment and service.”