Digital technology is increasingly featured in various sports; whether it’s the viewing experience for fans and supporters, or providing solutions for in-match decision-making. The Major Tennis tournament, Wimbledon, has announced that from 2025, they will replace 300 line judges with artificial intelligence-fuelled line calling; according to a report by The Times. This means no more “out” calling from on-court human line judges, ending their 147-year existence. 

Hawkeye technology has been present at Wimbledon for many years, available for players to challenge the umpire’s call when a ball is called “out”, however, Wimbledon is following other major tournaments such as the US Open by only having chair umpires on the court, and this could raise concerns over the accuracy of the technology and lack of human influence. To combat these concerns, Wimbledon has stated that the technology will provide “maximum accuracy in our officiating.” 

"The decision to introduce Live Electronic Line Calling at The Championships was made following a significant period of consideration and consultation," the All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton said.

"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.

"We take our responsibility to balance tradition and innovation at Wimbledon very seriously.”