LONDON — A former Wimbledon line judge has publicly criticized tournament organizers after being reassigned to a new role they describe as "glorified butlers" following the introduction of electronic line-calling technology. The controversy has sparked protests from fans, some of whom dressed as traditional line judges during this year’s championships to voice their opposition to the change.
The All England Club announced in April 2023 that it would fully adopt electronic line-calling (Hawk-Eye Live) for all matches, eliminating the need for human line judges. While the move was praised for its accuracy and efficiency, it left many long-serving officials feeling sidelined. One such official, who spoke anonymously due to fears of repercussions, told The Telegraph: "We’ve been reduced to glorified butlers, fetching towels and water bottles."
The Fallout for Line Judges
With Hawk-Eye Live now handling all line calls, the traditional role of line judges has been drastically diminished. Many were offered alternative positions, such as:
- Player liaison officers
- Court assistants
- Ball crew supervisors
However, several former line judges argue that these roles lack the prestige and responsibility they once held. "We were trained to make split-second decisions under immense pressure," said one veteran official. "Now, we’re just there to tidy up after players."
Fan Backlash and Protests
The decision has also drawn criticism from Wimbledon traditionalists. During this year’s tournament, a group of fans dressed as line judges and staged a silent protest outside Centre Court, holding signs reading "Save the Humans" and "Tradition Matters."
One protester, James Wilson, a lifelong Wimbledon attendee, told reporters: "Part of Wimbledon’s charm was the human element—the tension of a close call, the drama of a player challenging a decision. Now, it feels sterile. The Hawk-Eye is flawless, but perfection isn’t always what makes sport special."
The All England Club’s Response
In a statement, the All England Club defended the move, citing consistency with other Grand Slams: "The introduction of electronic line-calling ensures fairness and reduces human error. While we value the contributions of our line judges, this evolution aligns with the sport’s technological advancements." The club also noted that affected officials were given priority for other roles and additional training.
The Wider Impact on Tennis
Wimbledon is not the first major tournament to phase out line judges—the US Open and Australian Open have also adopted electronic systems. However, the abrupt shift has raised concerns about job security in the sport. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) estimates that over 500 line judges worldwide could be displaced by 2025.
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman weighed in on the debate, telling the BBC: "Technology has its place, but we mustn’t forget the people who’ve dedicated years to the sport. There has to be a balance."
What’s Next for Line Judges?
Some officials are calling for a compromise—perhaps retaining line judges for show courts or high-profile matches. Others suggest integrating them into player support roles with greater responsibility. The All England Club has not ruled out revisiting the issue, stating: "We remain open to feedback and will continue to assess the best way to honor our traditions while embracing progress."
For now, the debate rages on. As one former line judge put it: "We weren’t just calling lines—we were part of Wimbledon’s soul. That’s something no machine can replace."