The All England Club said on Wednesday that artificial intelligence-powered line-calling will take the place of line judges in the 2020 Wimbledon championships. The installation of automated electronic line-calling will be rolled out across all 18 courts next year, meaning it will be the first time in 147 years there will be no human line-judging officials.
The US Open implemented the Hawk-Eye Live technology in the 2020 Slam. One of several tournaments that have implemented similar systems in recent years. It is scheduled to be used across their program starting in 2025. Also read: Tomas Machac tops Carlos Alcaraz in Shanghai Quarterfinals
According to a news release from the All England Club, this will see the challenge-concept dropped at Wimbledon.
“The decision to introduce Live Electronic Line Calling at The Championships was made following a significant period of consideration and consultation,” Sally Bolton, CEO of the All England Club, said. Also read: Jannik Sinner ‘very confident’ in positive outcome after WADA appeals his doping case
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.
“For the players, it will offer them the same conditions they have played under at a number of other events. The All England Club also declared that the men’s and women’s singles finals will begin later in the upcoming year. The women’s singles final will start after the men’s doubles. While the men’s singles final will start after the women’s doubles. Both events will tentatively begin at 4 p.m. local time.