New Delhi: Wimbledon, the oldest tennis tournament in the world, breaking with the long-held tradition of line judges dressed in elegant uniforms can be termed a classic case of Artificial Intelligence (AI) taking over jobs.
In a surprise move, The All England Club announced Wednesday that artificial intelligence will be implemented in the tournament from 2025 to make the out’ and fault’ calls at the prestigious Grand Slam tournament.
According to the Wimbledon organisers, the decision to adopt live electronic line calling was taken following expansive testing at the 2024 edition. The organisers also said that the new technique will be an extension of the existing ball-tracking and line-calling technology that has featured in the tournament for several years.
Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Club said that the time is right to embrace the technology in a bid to bring maximum accuracy in the officiating,
Bolton added that AI technology will offer the players the same conditions they have played under at several other events on tour.
Responsibility to “balance tradition and innovation”
Bolton, recognising the contribution of the line umpires who have played a central role, in the officiating set-up at the All England Club for many decades, thanked the officials for their valuable contribution, commitment and service.
Line judges wait to enter court 18 on day ten of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon. Picture date: Wednesday July 6, 2022. (Getty Images)
Line-calling technology has been featured in Wimbledon and other tennis tournaments to call whether serves are in or out for a long time.
Besides the introduction of AI technology, All England Club has made one more major change. The timing of the ladies and gentlemen’s singles finals has been changed and both summit clashes will now take place at the later time of 4 p.m. (local time) on the second Saturday and Sunday, respectively, after doubles finals on those days.
According to Bolton, the changes have been made to ensure the day of the finals builds towards the crescendo of both singles finals, with the champions being crowned in front of the largest possible crowd.
According to Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Club, the time is right to embrace the technology in a bid to bring maximum accuracy in the officiating, Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
