Wimbledon do away with line judges after 148 years

Dubai: Wimbledon, known for its deep-rooted traditions — including the mandatory all-white dress code — is making a historic shift. For the first time in its 148-year history, the prestigious tournament at the All England Club will no longer feature line judges on the court.

The iconic blue-and-white-striped uniforms will be absent this year, replaced by a fully automated electronic line-calling system. Instead of human calls, an automated voice will announce when a ball is out, eliminating the need for the challenge system. The advanced ball-tracking technology ensures high accuracy and instantly alerts umpires and players to any errant shots.

“The decision to introduce Live Electronic Line Calling at The Championships was made after a significant period of review and consultation,” said Wimbledon chief executive Sally Bolton in an interview with Metro.co.uk. “Based on extensive testing, we believe the system is now robust enough to support this major step toward more precise officiating.”

Bolton emphasised that players are already accustomed to similar systems used at other tournaments on the tour, and said Wimbledon remains committed to balancing tradition with innovation. She also acknowledged the longstanding role of line umpires, thanking them for their years of dedicated service.

The change has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with many expressing disappointment on social media over the loss of a traditional element that has helped define Wimbledon’s identity for generations.

Wimbledon now joins the Australian Open, which first implemented full electronic line calling in 2021, and the US Open, which adopted it in 2022. The French Open, however, remains committed to human officiating and continues to resist the shift toward automation, meaning players still cannot challenge calls using replay technology on the clay courts of Roland Garros.