Wimbledon 2026 is the second edition of the Championships to operate without human line judges, as electronic line calling (ELC) takes over for all main draw matches. The All England Lawn Tennis Club introduced the technology in 2025 after extensive testing.
Why the change?
Chief executive Sally Bolton announced the decision last year, stating: '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.' She added that it offers players 'the same conditions they have played under at a number of other events on tour.'
Malgorzata Grzyb, chair of the Association of British Tennis Officials, told BBC Sport: 'There is a bit of sadness of course – it is the end of a tradition at Wimbledon, but it is something we anticipated. I think this was inevitable it was going to happen.'
How does electronic line calling work?
ELC uses up to 18 cameras on each court, along with computers and sensors, to track the ball's trajectory in real time. The system produces a 3D overview of the ball in relation to the court lines, similar to Hawk-Eye used in cricket. The ATP now uses the technology across all events, and it is increasingly common in WTA tournaments.
Which Grand Slams use it?
The Australian Open adopted ELC in 2021, followed by the US Open in 2022. Wimbledon joined in 2025. The French Open remains the only Grand Slam retaining human line judges, with FFT president Gilles Moretton saying: 'I think we are right to keep our referees and line judges at Roland Garros. The federation wants to keep our referees for as long as we can.'
Player reactions
Most players have backed the change, though some questioned accuracy last year. Roger Federer, initially a critic of the challenge system, later supported the technology. Former British number one Tim Henman said: 'If Wimbledon took a decision to keep line judges I think that would have looked very bizarre at just one event. I think it's absolutely the right decision.'
Some players have reported difficulty hearing automated calls in noisy atmospheres. Bolton acknowledged: 'I think they probably recognise that with the evolution of the technology and the consistent change across many of the other tournaments that this is probably inevitable.'
What about the line judges?
Many former line judges have taken on new roles as match assistants at Wimbledon, supporting umpires and stepping in if the technology fails. Bolton thanked them for their 'valuable contribution' and 'commitment and service.'
