Wimbledon is gearing up for a major change in 2025 as it plans to swap line judges for electronic call systems, sparking a divide among tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. The iconic grass courts of SW19 are set to undergo a technological overhaul next year, but not all players are in agreement with this decision. Djokovic has been a vocal supporter of using technology to reduce human errors in officiating, endorsing the shift towards electronic calls over traditional methods. On the other hand, Nadal has voiced his preference for the traditional approach to tennis officiating, indicating potential discontent with the All England Club’s move to replace 300 line judges as part of modernising the sport.
In October 2020, Djokovic expressed his opinion on the matter, emphasising the importance of utilising advancements in technology within the sport. This statement followed his controversial disqualification from the US Open due to inadvertently hitting a line judge with a ball, leading to his removal from the tournament. Meanwhile, Nadal has championed the retention of line judges in tennis, despite the trend towards electronic line calling systems. The 14-time Roland-Garros champion highlighted his appreciation for the aesthetic of traditional courts with line judges, in contrast to Djokovic’s stance that line judges were unnecessary.
Nadal, aged 38, further explained his viewpoint by indicating that using technology for line calls may not enhance the enjoyment of the game or improve its spectacle. In contrast, proponents of technological accuracy argue that real-time line-call technology, capable of making decisions within milliseconds, could enhance the viewing experience for spectators. The debate around modernising tennis through technology continues to divide the tennis community, with leading players like Nadal and Djokovic embodying contrasting perspectives on this ongoing discussion.