After nearly a century and a half, Wimbledon is bidding farewell to its line judges. Starting in 2025, the All England Club will implement electronic line calling for all qualifying and main draw matches, following in the footsteps of the Australian Open and US Open, which adopted similar technology in 2021 and 2022. This shift leaves the French Open as the last Grand Slam to retain traditional line judges.
The decision was driven by the ATP’s move to require Electronic Line Calling Live across the men’s tour beginning in 2025, with the WTA also moving in the same direction. Wimbledon’s chief executive, Sally Bolton, shared that the change comes after extensive testing at this year’s Championships, concluding that the technology is now “sufficiently robust” to ensure maximum accuracy.
“For the players, it will offer them the same conditions they have played under at a number of other events on tour,” Bolton said, underscoring Wimbledon’s commitment to balancing its tradition with innovation. While electronic line calling is expected to enhance accuracy and reduce on-court disputes, the absence of line judges will mark a profound shift in Wimbledon’s historic ambiance.
Acknowledging the importance of the change, Bolton expressed gratitude for the role line judges have played over the years: “Line umpires have played a central role in our officiating set-up at The Championships for many decades, and we recognise their valuable contribution and thank them for their commitment and service.”
As Wimbledon ushers in this new chapter, the move symbolizes a balancing act between preserving tradition and embracing the future of tennis officiating.
