TENNIS | WIMBLEDON
Why there will be no line judges at Wimbledon anymore?
For the first time since 1877, the British Grand Slam will adopt electronic refereeing for its 138th edition. The start of the men’s final will also change.
For the first time in 147 years (since 1877), there will be no line judges at Wimbledon matches. On Wednesday, the British Grand Slam announced that it will adopt electronic officiating in 2025 for the 138th edition. The decision, taken by the All England Lawn Tennis Club and the Management Committee of The Championships, implies the use of live electronic line calling (ELC) from next year, in harmony with the ATP, which uses Hawk-Eye, the popular alternative automatic system that has been used more frequently since 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, at all events.
This means that when a ball goes out, or a serve misses the goal, it will no longer be a person who calls out or a fault but a machine. Players will also no longer be able to ask for a point to be reviewed, which is the usual challenge seen these days in Shanghai, except, perhaps, for informational purposes. This change will be introduced on the eve of the next Wimbledon after the success of the tests carried out in 2024.
“The decision to introduce Live Electronic Line Calling at The Championships was made following a significant period of consideration and consultation,” commented Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Club.
“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,” the board member added. “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 recognize their valuable contribution and thank them for their commitment and service.” Bolton concluded.
What is the new time schedule for the finals weekend at Wimbledon?
Wimbledon has made changes to the schedule for the final days of the competition. The provisional schedule for the final weekend has also been adjusted. The doubles finals will take place at 13:00 local time (7 a.m. ET), followed by the singles finals at 16:00 (10 a.m. ET) on the second Saturday and Sunday, respectively, for both men’s and women’s matches. The schedule for the singles semi-finals will remain unchanged, and the mixed doubles final will stay provisionally scheduled for the third match on the second Thursday.
“We have adjusted the provisional schedule for the final weekend of The Championships with the ambition of improving the experience for all involved. The doubles players competing in the finals will have increased certainty over their schedule, and fans will enjoy each day’s play as it builds towards the crescendo of the ladies’ and gentlemen’s singles finals, with our champions being crowned in front of the largest possible worldwide audience,” said Bolton.