WIMBLEDON LINESMEN NOT TO BE USED FROM NEXT YEAR

Without even knowing it, the linesmen at this year’s Wimbledon tournament were writing history books. Not because of their calls being perfect or the exact opposite, but because it was the last time in the history of the tournament that actual people were being used as line judges. This week, Wimbledon announced that from next year, all human line judges will be replaced with an electronic system.

The news was met with controversy because Wimbledon is known for its traditions set in stone like players only allowed to play in white clothes. But, it seems as if even the most traditionalist tournaments are turning to technology.

Both the US Open and the Australian Open have already made the same decision. This means that the French Open will be the only tournament on the ATP tour to still make use of human linesmen.

The reason for the big decision is “maximum accuracy” according to organisers of Wimbledon. It will be the first time in the tournament’s 147 years that 100% technology is being used.

Tennis isn’t the trendsetter when it comes to electronic decision-making.

Cricket has made use of a third TV umpire for years and even football has been goal-line technology for a long time.

Image credit: Times of India