Starting in 2025, Wimbledon will eliminate line judges in favor of modern technology, marking a significant shift in the nearly 150-year history of the tournament.
According to The Guardian, the system that will replace the judges is called ELC and operates using artificial intelligence — it has been successfully tested at the current tournament, with AI set to be fully operational next year. Organizers emphasize that there will be no changes for the players — the rules and conditions will remain the same.
Wimbledon took its first step towards using technology instead of line judges 17 years ago when it implemented the Hawk-Eye system. Subsequently, it worked alongside referees, and players could review the outcomes.
Since last year, ELC has become more widespread, and the tennis community has recognized that the system makes faster and more accurate decisions. The Australian Open was the first Grand Slam tournament to operate without line judges on all courts, while the US Open decided to phase out line judges in 2022.
Wimbledon’s announcement leaves the French Open as the only Grand Slam tournament that will still rely on judges.
Typically, there are around 300 officials working at Wimbledon, involved in over 600 matches over two weeks. BBC notes that top line judges could earn up to £200 a day (plus expenses) and underwent a rigorous selection process from lower-level competitions. While the head referees will still be present, they may experience some unease about their future.
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