Robots to take over at Wimbledon

• Line umpires will no longer be required in the third Grand Slam of the year
• Remote tracking cameras installed around the court give live electronic queue calling by automatically sending the audio queue calls in real time
• The men’s ATP circuit stated in April that automated calling systems that combine cameras and AI technologies will replace line judges

Wimbledon is about to undergo a radical transformation as organisers consider using artificial intelligence during future matches on the court.

This means that line umpires will no longer be required in the third Grand Slam of the year.

With AI-powered commentary introduced to its coverage in 2023, Wimbledon tournament director Jamie Baker acknowledged that current technology may one day replace people making line calls.

The US Open immediately followed the Australian Open’s 2021 introduction of electronic line calling as the first tennis Grand Slam. French Open and Wimbledon have so far defied the trend but Wimbledon seems to have had a change of heart.

Remote tracking cameras installed around the court give live electronic queue calling by automatically sending the audio queue calls in real-time.

Electronic line calling. Pboto/CNN

The men’s ATP circuit stated in April that automated calling systems that combine cameras and AI technologies will replace line judges by 2025.

“Line calling obviously is something that is accelerated in the rest of tennis, and we are not making any decisions at this point, but we are constantly looking at those things as to what the future might hold” said Baker.

With Wimbledon known for its traditions, he said this is a fine balance in a bid to keep its heritage sacred.

Some are unquestionably worth preserving because they contribute significantly to the experiences of the 500,000 visitors who come here annually.

The Age claims that Wimbledon has been utilising AI for its statistical packages and player power index for a lot of years.

IBM’s AI system also creates captions and audio commentary for online match highlights videos that fans may watch. And in a true glimpse into the future, AI may someday commentate on matches played off the All England Club’s exhibition courts.

As of right now, there are no intentions to eliminate live human commentary from programmes like Centre Court.

In addition, Wimbledon has loosened its dress code regulations for the first time in its history.

Ines Ibbou Algeria. Photo by Wimbledon

Wimbledon’s women’s dress code has altered for the first time in 146 years. However, given that it’s Wimbledon, the shift is more gradual than radical; athletes can now don dark undershorts.

According to reports, the action was taken to allay the concerns of rivals who are currently on their period.

Sally Bolton, the CEO of the All England Club, stated that she expects the new rule to help players focus purely on their performance by relieving a potential source of anxiety.

Many of the players have praised it. US professional Coco Gauff told Sky News that this relaxation of rules relieves a lot of stress for everyone.

Tennis pundits argue that the change in Wimbledon’s dress code was inevitable due to increasing pressure from several quarters.