Tennis

Wimbledon Embraces Technology: Electronic Line Calling to Debut in 2025The hallowed grounds of Wimbledon, the oldest tennis tournament in the world, are set to undergo a significant transformation in 2025. The All England Club (AELTC) has announced that electronic line calling (ELC) will be implemented on every court at next year's event, marking a departure from the long-standing tradition of line judges.This decision follows extensive testing during the 2023 Championships, which demonstrated the robustness and accuracy of the technology. "We consider the technology to be sufficiently robust and the time is right to take this important step in seeking maximum accuracy in our officiating," said Sally Bolton, Chief Executive of the AELTC.Wimbledon becomes the third of the four Grand Slams to adopt ELC. The US Open pioneered its use during the closed 2020 event, while the Australian Open followed suit in 2021. The ATP Tour is also set to implement ELC Live across all tournaments by the 2025 season."We have a responsibility to embrace innovation and new technologies," said ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi. "ELC has proven to be a valuable tool in enhancing the accuracy and consistency of line calls."While acknowledging the tradition of line umpires, the AELTC emphasized the need for progress. "Line umpires have played a central role in our officiating setup at The Championships for many decades and we recognize their valuable contribution," said Bolton. "However, we believe that ELC will ultimately provide a more accurate and consistent officiating system."In addition to the introduction of ELC, Wimbledon will also adjust the start times for the women's and men's singles finals. Both matches will now begin at 4 p.m. instead of 2 p.m., while the doubles championships will precede them at 1 p.m. over finals weekend. The mixed doubles final will maintain its provisional place on the second Thursday.These changes are part of Wimbledon's ongoing efforts to balance tradition with innovation. By embracing technology, the tournament aims to enhance the accuracy and fairness of its officiating while preserving the unique atmosphere and heritage that have made it one of the most prestigious events in tennis.

The Wimbledon Championships, the oldest and most prestigious Grand Slam tournament in tennis, recently concluded its 137th edition at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC). The tournament witnessed thrilling matches and memorable moments, with Barbora Krejcikova and Carlos Alcaraz emerging as the women's and men's singles champions, respectively.AELTC, in its efforts to popularize tennis in India, partnered with Star Sports to broadcast the matches with Hindi commentary. This initiative aims to make the tournament more accessible to Indian fans and inspire a new generation of players.Indian tennis star Ankita Raina, who has played at Wimbledon in the past, spoke about the significance of this initiative. She believes that it will have a positive impact on the sport in India, as it will introduce the tournament to a wider audience and showcase the achievements of Indian players.Raina also highlighted the importance of individual performances by Indian players, such as Rohan Bopanna and Sumit Nagal, in inspiring fellow players. She believes that their success at the highest level has motivated other Indian players to pursue their tennis dreams.The Wimbledon Championships holds a special place in the hearts of tennis fans worldwide. Its rich history, tradition, and unique rules, such as the requirement to wear all white, make it an iconic event. For Indian fans, the Hindi commentary will enhance their understanding and appreciation of the tournament.Raina's own experience at Wimbledon has been unforgettable. She cherishes the opportunity to play on the hallowed courts and compete against the world's best players. She believes that the tournament is a dream come true for any tennis player.The Wimbledon Championships offer fans an unforgettable sporting experience. The tournament showcases the highest level of tennis, featuring some of the world's most talented players. With the addition of Hindi commentary, Indian fans will now have a more immersive and engaging experience, further fueling their passion for the sport.