Wimbledon confirm major change as 147-year tradition axed for 2025 tournament

Line judges have been a permanent fixture at the All England Club for the duration of the tournament’s storied 147-year history.

Around 300 on-court officials, dressed in their traditional uniform, have been seen using their voices and arms to signal misplaced serves and shots.

However, starting at next year’s tournament in 2025, the line judges will be replaced on all 18 courts by the roll out of automated electronic line calling (ELC).

The technology, which can accurately determine where a ball landed within a tenth of a second, was first trialed in professional tennis back in 2017.

‘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.’

In another announced change, the finals of both the women’s and men’s finals will move from their usual 2pm slot to start at 4pm in a bid to attract more viewers from north America.

The latest announcements come just weeks after Wimbledon was given the green light for a controversial expansion project that will see the All England Club build 39 new courts, including an 8,000-seat show court, on the adjacent former Wimbledon Park Golf Club and nearly triple the size of its current site.

The estimated cost of the redevelopment is around £200 million and is expected to be completed by 2030 at the earliest.

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