The growing trend of using artificial intelligence instead of human line judges at tennis tournaments could be expanded to Wimbledon in the coming years, according to its technology director.
Bill Jinks heads the technological developments at the All England Lawn Tennis Club which oversees the running of the Grand Slam. Whilst ruling out the possibility of replacing umpires in matches, he is more open-minded when it comes to other officials.
Electronic line calling systems, which are a combination of AI and cameras, have gained popularity on the Tour in recent years. The ATP has already outlined their plan to implement the system across its entire Tour from 2025. CEO Andrea Gaudenzi said the move will enable more accuracy in officiating and remove the possibility of arguments between players and officials. It is understood that the WTA is also looking into staging a similar move in the future.
Furthermore, the US Open started to use electronic line calling in 2020 for some of their courts before expanding it to all of them the following year. The Australian Open also started using the system in 2021 to limit the number of people on the court amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This suggests that it is only a matter of time before Wimbledon follow suit.
“I can say that in 2023 we’ve definitely got line judges,” The Telegraph quoted Jinks as saying. “You’re right that line calling technology has changed. We’ve been using the challenge system since 2007, and it currently works for us. Who’s to say what might happen in the future. Obviously we’ve seen what’s going on with announcements in the ATP for their plans, and things like that will be considered in the future.
“I think the players are used to both systems. I get very, very few actual things that need to be checked post-match. Hardly any per tournament, where the player has got to the point where they say, I want you to prove to me that it was the right [call]. The players are accepting about the way the technology is developing.”
Wimbledon’s stance on the topic has changed considerably in just two years. Back in 2021, a spokesperson told UbiTennis that the tournament has no plans to switch to an electronic line calling system. Now it appears that they are more willing to do so at some stage.
Unlike other events, Wimbledon has the extra challenge of trying to balance its renowned tradition with modern-day life. This year will be the first time that they are using AI commentary for their video highlights package. IBM watsonx will generate all audio and captions for the videos on the tournament’s website and on their official app. Although there are currently no plans to replace live human commentary with AI.
Meanwhile, last November the tournament decided to relax its all-white dress code by allowing female players to wear darker underwear to reduce their anxiety around menstrual cycles. The dress code dates back to the Victorian era when sweating was considered improper and white outfits were introduced to hide perspiration as much as possible.
This year’s Wimbledon Championships will begin on July 3rd. Novak Djokovic and Elena Rybakina are the defending champions.
