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In the world of tennis, a debate over technology has taken centre stage at Wimbledon 2025. For the first time in the tournament’s 147-year history, human line judges have been replaced by an artificial intelligence (AI) system known as Hawk-Eye. This advanced technology uses cameras to track the ball’s trajectory and determine whether it lands inside or outside the court lines. While the system promises greater accuracy, not everyone is convinced of its reliability, sparking discussions about the role of technology in sport.
British tennis star Jack Draper, currently the country’s top-ranked player, has openly criticised the AI system after a disappointing second-round match against Marin Cilic, a former Wimbledon finalist from Croatia. Draper lost the match and later expressed frustration over several line calls made by Hawk-Eye. He argued that some of the marks shown on the court appeared incorrect, casting doubt on the system’s precision. While he admitted he might have been wrong about one particular call, Draper described the removal of human umpires as ‘a shame’, highlighting his preference for the traditional approach.
Defending the technology, Wimbledon’s tournament director, Jamie Baker, explained that electronic line calling is now a standard practice in professional tennis, used in two other major tournaments as well. He stressed that Hawk-Eye has been rigorously tested and refined over the years to ensure its accuracy. Additionally, Baker pointed out a practical benefit: the system allows matches to continue into the evening without relying on human eyesight in low-light conditions. However, a separate incident at the tournament showed that officials may still halt play if other factors, such as darkness, pose a risk, even with AI assistance.
This situation at Wimbledon raises broader questions about the integration of technology in sports. While AI has the potential to minimise human error, it is not flawless, and some players feel it lacks the personal touch of human judgement. The clash between preserving tradition and embracing innovation remains a challenge. As technology becomes more widespread in tennis and beyond, the trust of players and fans in these systems will be crucial. The debate is far from over, and opinions on whether machines should fully replace human decisions in sport continue to divide the tennis community.