Electronic Line Calling (ELC) at Wimbledon: A Blend of Technology and Tradition
Wimbledon has continued to implement electronic line calling (ELC) as part of its ongoing commitment to technological advancement. The system, which replaced human line judges in 2025 after 147 years of traditional officiating, is seen as a more accurate alternative to the human eye. This decision was supported by players who recognized the benefits of precision and consistency.
However, the system has not been without its challenges. Last year, during a match between Anastasia Pavlyuchenkov and Sonay Kartal, ELC was accidentally deactivated due to “human error,” resulting in three missed calls in one game. Additionally, during Wimbledon qualifying at Roehampton, a power outage caused by extreme heat led to an hour-long suspension of play.
Despite these issues, some players have expressed concerns about the reliability of ELC. Britain’s Emma Raducanu mentioned that she did not completely trust the system, citing some “dodgy” calls. Similarly, Jack Draper noted that he does not believe it is “100 per cent accurate.”
Sally Bolton, the chief executive of the All England Club, emphasized confidence in the system before this year’s tournament. She explained that ELC operates as a combination of humans and technology working together. “There was an issue last year, that was rectified and the review was undertaken during last year's Championships,” she said. “We will always test our systems, every single system we have as we go into the Championships, but we're confident that that issue was in fact rectified last year.”
How ELC Works
ELC utilizes the same advanced technology as the Hawk-Eye system, which previously allowed players to challenge questionable line calls. The system employs 18 cameras positioned around the court to track the ball’s movement and trajectory in real time. Sensors and computers generate a 3D image of where the ball lands, ensuring precise and immediate feedback.
An automated voice mimics the tone of a line judge, delivering calls such as “out!”, “fault!” or “foot fault” within a tenth of a second. This ensures that players and spectators receive instant confirmation of each call.
This year, Wimbledon has introduced visual indicators on the scoreboards, addressing fan complaints about not being able to determine if a ball landed in or out without the presence of on-court line judges. These indicators provide a clearer understanding of each shot’s placement.
Introduction of Video Review Technology
In addition to ELC, Wimbledon is introducing video review technology for the first time at this year’s Championships. This innovation allows players to challenge calls made by the umpire, such as whether a ball bounced twice or if a player touched the net.
The ‘VAR’-style technology will be available on the six main show courts, including Centre Court and No 1 Court. Video reviews were introduced on the ATP Tour last year and have been available at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open since 2025.
The introduction of video review means that umpires can request replays to assist in making accurate decisions if ELC fails. This added layer of oversight ensures that critical calls are reviewed and verified.
Global Adoption of ELC
The use of ELC has become widespread across major tennis tournaments. The Australian Open replaced line judges with ELC in 2021, followed by the US Open in 2022. ELC has been in place on most ATP and WTA Tour events since 2025.
However, the French Open remains the only Grand Slam tournament to still use line judges. Despite a controversial incident during the men’s draw, where Casper Ruud questioned a call, the tournament continues to rely on human officials. French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo acknowledged the limitations of the system, stating that “the reliability of the system is not absolute.” With a review set to take place ahead of 2027, Mauresmo emphasized that the club continues to place its confidence in human officials.
Conclusion
As Wimbledon continues to embrace technology, the balance between human judgment and machine precision remains a topic of discussion. While ELC offers greater accuracy and efficiency, the occasional technical failure and player concerns highlight the need for ongoing improvements. The introduction of video review technology marks a significant step forward, providing an additional safeguard against errors. As the sport evolves, the integration of technology will continue to shape the future of tennis.
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