In a landmark decision, Wimbledon will replace line judges with electronic line-calling technology starting in 2025. The move will apply to all qualifying and main draw matches, marking the end of an era for the iconic tournament’s traditional officiating system.
The adoption of electronic line calling follows a broader trend across the tennis world, as both the men’s ATP Tour and the women’s WTA Tour are set to implement the technology in the interests of enhanced accuracy and consistency.
The decision also aligns Wimbledon with the Australian Open and the US Open, which adopted similar systems in 2021 and 2022, respectively, ensuring that the All England Club does not become an outlier among the Grand Slam tournaments.
“Time is right for maximum accuracy,” says Wimbledon chief
Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Club, emphasized that the decision came after a thorough review and consultation. “The decision to introduce Live Electronic Line Calling at The Championships was made following a significant period of consideration and consultation,” she said. Bolton explained that rigorous testing during this year’s tournament demonstrated the system’s reliability. “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,” she added.
The change is expected to benefit players by offering them consistent conditions across major tournaments. “For the players, it will offer them the same conditions they have played under at a number of other events on tour,” Bolton noted. While the shift to technology will bring a new level of precision, it also marks the end of a long tradition at Wimbledon. “We take our responsibility to balance tradition and innovation at Wimbledon very seriously,” Bolton said. “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.”
Changes to the final weekend schedule
In addition to the adoption of electronic line calling, Wimbledon will implement a new schedule for its final weekend, starting in 2025. The singles finals will now begin later in the afternoon, with the men’s and ladies’ singles matches slated for 16:00 BST. Previously, these matches began at 14:00. The schedule adjustment will also impact doubles events, with the men’s doubles final scheduled for 13:00 on Saturday, and the ladies’ doubles final at 13:00 on Sunday.
The decision brings Wimbledon in line with the scheduling of the other Grand Slam tournaments, which culminate in the men’s singles final on the last Sunday. “The doubles players competing in the finals will have increased certainty over their schedule,” said Bolton. She also highlighted the benefit for spectators: “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.” Wimbledon’s embrace of both technological innovation and schedule changes demonstrates the All England Club’s efforts to modernize while maintaining its historic stature in the world of tennis.