Why are there no line judges at Wimbledon 2026?

Wimbledon viewers might notice something missing at the All England Club this year.

Last year was the first in the 149-year history of the Championships without line judges due to a major overhaul and they’ve stood by the decision, which proved controversial – and remains so.

Donned in their blue and white, they had become an iconic part of the grass court major and were much-loved by fans, who made their frustration clear last year.

But why did Wimbledon get rid of them? And what is being used in their place?

Radio Times explains why line judges will not be seen at Wimbledon 2026.

Why are there no line judges at Wimbledon 2025?

Line judges have been replaced by an automated electronic line calling (ELC) system.

The ELC, which is used by other major tennis competitions around the world, provides accurate ball-tracking technology that can alert the match umpire and players to a stray shot.

Think of the new technology as a real-time version of the Hawk-Eye challenge system, only players are not required – or able – to protest the call and will instead be alerted during play.

Of the 300 line judges from previous tournaments, around 80 will still be seen around courts in an assistant role for players or should the technology fail, but Wimbledon as we know it will never quite look – or feel, or sound – the same again.

Improvements to the ELC have been made for 2026, including the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards for all matches that show ‘out’ and ‘fault’ calls.

The new system is not without its flaws, however, as Wimbledon qualifying had to be suspended last week when the heat caused it to malfunction at Roehampton.

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