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Line judges OUT at Wimbledon after 147 years

Line judges OUT at Wimbledon after 147 years

Line judges will no longer be used at Wimbledon from next year as the All England Club adopts electronic line calling.

The judges who call shots 'out' and 'fault' on serves are being replaced by the technology that will be in operation at all qualifying and main draw matches from 2025 onwards - ending a tradition dating back 147 years.

Wimbledon have been forced into the decision by the ATP choosing to use Live Electronic Line Calling across the men's tour from 2025 with the women's WTA Tour also planning to move in the same direction.

The All England Club have followed the Australian Open and US Open - who adopted electronic line calling in 2021 and 2022 respectively - meaning that the French Open is the last of the Grand Slams still relying on line judges.

Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Club, said: "The decision to introduce Live Electronic Line Calling at The Championships was made following a significant period of consideration and consultation.

"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 on tour.

"We take our responsibility to balance tradition and innovation at Wimbledon very seriously.

"Line umpires have played a central role in our officiating set-up at The Championships for many decades and we recognise their valuable contribution and thank them for their commitment and service."

There will also be major changes to the schedule on the final weekend as both the ladies' and men's singles showpieces will be pushed back to a start time of 4pm - two hours later than previously.

The men's and ladies' doubles finals will now begin at 13:00 on Saturday and Sunday respectively in a switch that brings Wimbledon in line with the other majors.

Bolton said: "The doubles players competing in the finals will have increased certainty over their schedule and 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."

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