Wimbledon is moving to electronic refereeing, ditching traditional linesmen after nearly a century and a half of using them. This decision marks a new era in the history of the prestigious tennis competition.
Revolution in refereeing
Farewell to tradition
Since 2025, Wimbledon will radically change its approach to refereeing, abandoning the services of line referees in favor of modern technological solutions. This innovation will mark the end of almost 150 years of tradition at the legendary tournament.
Artificial intelligence on the court
According to The Guardian, human judges will be replaced by an ELC system based on artificial intelligence. This technology has already been successfully tested in the current tournament, and from next year it will be fully integrated into the judging process. The organizers emphasize that the rules and conditions for competition participants will remain unchanged.
The Path to Innovation
Wimbledon began moving towards technological refereeing 17 years ago with the introduction of the Hawk-Eye system. Initially, it functioned in conjunction with judges, providing players with the opportunity to additionally review controversial issues.
World Tennis Trend
Since last year, the ELC system has become widespread and the tennis community has recognized its advantages in speed and accuracy of decision making. The Australian Open became a pioneer among Grand Slam tournaments in completely eliminating linesmen on all courts. The US Open followed suit in 2022.
The Uniqueness of Roland Garros
Following Wimbledon's announcement to switch to electronic refereeing, the French Open will remain the only Grand Slam tournament where Traditional linesmen will continue to serve.
Impact on the Referees
Wimbledon typically had around 300 referees officiating over 600 matches during the two-week tournament. According to BBC, highly skilled linesmen could earn up to £200 a day, plus expenses. They went through a strict selection process, starting with lower-level tournaments. Although chief justices will retain their positions, there are concerns about their future in light of these changes.
Glossary
- Wimbledon is the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, held in London .
- ELC (Electronic Line Calling) - an electronic ball hit detection system based on artificial intelligence.
- Hawk-Eye is a computer vision technology for visually tracking the trajectory of the ball in sports competitions.
- Grand Slam tournaments are the four most significant annual tennis tournaments.
- Roland Garros - French Open tennis championship held in Paris.
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Answers to questions
What changes are expected at Wimbledon from 2025?
How will the new ELC system affect players and tournament rules?
What is the history of introducing technology into refereeing at Wimbledon?
How is the use of refereeing technology going at other Grand Slam tournaments?
What impact will the implementation of the ELC have on the work of Wimbledon referees?
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Discussion of the topic – Revolution at Wimbledon: AI will replace linesmen in 2025
The Wimbledon tournament plans to completely abandon line judges from 2025, replacing them with an artificial intelligence system to record outs and service errors. The decision marks the end of a 150-year tradition and usheres in a new era in tennis.
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Liam
Wow, technology does not stand still! 🤖 I wonder how this will affect the atmosphere of Wimbledon? Still, 150 years of tradition is no joke.
Sophie
I agree with you, Liam. But let's look at it from the other side - fewer human errors, faster decision making. Maybe this will make the game more dynamic? 🎾
Giovanni
Sophie, you're right about the speed and accuracy. But don't you think we're losing the human element? The emotions of the judges, their reactions are part of the show!
Amelie
Giovanni, I understand your concern. But look how successfully Hawk-Eye has been operating for 17 years. Players trust technology. And ELC seems to be an even more advanced system. 👀
Klaus
What nonsense! Why change something that has worked for centuries? These newfangled things of yours will only ruin everything. Tennis is not the same anymore...
Isabella
Klaus, I understand your frustration, but progress is inevitable. Think about the benefits: less disputes, fairer decisions. Wouldn't this make the game better? 🤔
Liam
Isabella is right. In addition, the money saved on judges can be invested in developing young talent or improving infrastructure. This is great! 💪
Olga
But I’m thinking about the judges. 300 people will lose their jobs. Liam, I hope you're right and these funds actually go to a good cause. But still a little sad... 😔