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IndependentJul 08, 2023
Wimbledon Ends 147-Year-Old Tradition, Replaces Line Judges With AI
Above: Line judges on Court No.1 during day five of The Championships Wimbledon 2024 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 5, 2024 in London, England. Image copyright: Rob Newell /Contributor/CameraSport via Getty Images
The Facts
Hawk-Eye Live, an AI-based automated electronic line calling system (ELC), will replace Wimbledon's 300 line judges starting with the 2025 tennis championship.
The All England Club announced the end of the 147-year tradition, saying that ELC — already used at other Grand Slam tournaments — will cover all of the club's 18 courts from next year.
The Spin
Narrative A
Technological innovations like AI are revolutionizing sports including tennis by enhancing the audience experience. At Wimbledon, AI-powered features already provide real-time analysis and personalized content, allowing fans to stay connected with dynamic player stories, match insights, and automated highlights. Replacing line judges with AI will ensure more precise calls, eliminating human error and potential controversies. This will let players focus purely on their game, knowing that decisions are consistent and unbiased.
Narrative B
AI threatens to erode the rich tapestry of human elements that make tennis, especially Wimbledon, so captivating. The loss of line judges removes a layer of drama and tradition that has defined the sport for generations. These officials, with their distinctive attire and crucial role, are a key part of Wimbledon's charm, adding a human touch and creating memorable moments. This will only sanitize the game, stripping away the nuances of human judgment and occasional controversy that add excitement and talking points to matches.