- Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Wimbledon’s switch to electronic line-calling has sparked controversy as players and fans complain about inaudible calls. With spectators demanding the return of traditional line judges, officials defend the system, citing proximity of courts and efforts to avoid confusion.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Wimbledon’s much-anticipated switch to a fully electronic line-calling system, intended to modernize the tournament and eliminate human error, has quickly become a source of controversy. Both players and spectators have voiced frustration that the automated calls are difficult to hear, with some calling for the return of traditional line judges.
Player Voices Concern During Match
The issue came to the forefront during a first-round match on Court 8, where China’s Yuan Yue faced Germany’s Eva Lys. During the tightly contested three-setter, which Lys won 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, Yuan Yue raised concerns with the umpire about the volume of the automated line calls.
“The voice—I couldn’t really hear it, it was a bit low,” the 26-year-old explained after the match. She asked the umpire if the volume could be increased, but was told that it could not be adjusted on the spot. The umpire assured her he would try to communicate calls more clearly.
Despite the issue, Yuan Yue continued playing but admitted, “I did want to hear it clearer… his [the umpire’s] microphone voice was louder than the automated calls.” She also acknowledged the logistical challenge: “It’s a big tournament and some of the courts are very close to each other, so if it was louder it could confuse the players.”
All England Club’s Approach
The All England Club, which organizes Wimbledon, has responded by noting that a mix of male and female voices is used on outside courts to help avoid confusion, especially since many matches take place side by side. The pre-recorded calls were created before the tournament using around 20 staff members with what were deemed the “best voices.” The intention was to provide consistency and clarity, but the real-world experience has proven more complicated.
Confusion Among Spectators and Fans
The audio issues are not limited to players. Spectators on Centre Court and other show courts have also reported confusion, with some saying they cannot always tell when a call is made. “You don’t know when the call is out, it isn’t clear. Sometimes someone from the crowd calls it and you don’t know what’s going on,” one visitor remarked.
Viewers watching from home have echoed these concerns on social media, with some demanding the return of human line judges. “Technology is great but I’m already missing the line judges at Wimbledon,” wrote one viewer, James Stewart, on X (formerly Twitter). “A flat pre-recorded ‘fault’ is no replacement for someone who shouts it loudly in panic as an errant ball whistles just by their head at 125mph.” Another fan, Penny Morgan, simply stated, “We want our line judges back.”
Calls for a Return to Tradition
The debate has even reached public figures, with Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, tweeting: “We want Wimbledon line judges back. Enough is enough.” The sentiment reflects a growing nostalgia for the human element of the game and skepticism about whether technology can fully replace the drama and clarity provided by experienced line judges.
As Wimbledon continues, organizers face mounting pressure to address the audio concerns and consider adjustments to the system. Whether this means increasing the volume, improving the technology, or even reconsidering the role of human judges remains to be seen. For now, the controversy underscores the challenge of balancing innovation with tradition at one of tennis’s most iconic events.
