Protesters oppose AI line calls replacing human judges at Wimbledon
- Wimbledon has replaced human line judges with Hawk-Eye technology for the first time in its history.
- Two students protested at Wimbledon against the impact of AI on employment and the human element in sports.
- The protest highlighted concerns about the loss of human interaction and historical moments in sporting events.
In June 2025, Wimbledon, a prestigious tennis tournament located in the United Kingdom, became the first major event in its 148-year history to rely exclusively on an automated electronic system, Hawk-Eye, for line calls. This shift followed a trend seen in other major tournaments like the US Open and the Australian Open, moving away from traditional line judges to enhance accuracy in officiating matches. However, this decision sparked controversy and concern among tennis enthusiasts and former officials alike, with many arguing that the human element of the game is irreplaceable. Amidst this significant change, two students, Gabriel Paul and Harry Robson, staged a protest outside the All England Club, where Wimbledon is held. Dressed as line judges, they conveyed their message through placards emphasizing the impact of artificial intelligence on employment in sports. Their actions sought to raise awareness about the broader implications of AI technology on job availability and the essence of sportsmanship itself. Paul and Robson expressed their worries about entering a job market increasingly threatened by advancements in technology; their signs read, "AI took my job" and "Don't sideline humans." They pointed out historical moments in tennis, like John McEnroe's famous outburst questioning a line call, highlighting that sports are not solely about precision but also about the emotional narratives and human interactions that occur on the court. Both students hope to initiate conversations about the role of people in sports and the potential consequences of over-reliance on technology. While Wimbledon officials emphasized the drive for maximum accuracy as a rationale for the switch to AI, the students' protest received unexpected support from some staff members, indicating an underlying concern among those who have dedicated their careers to officiating. The unique atmosphere created by human judges, they argue, cannot be replicated by machines. The move toward automation begs questions about future positions in sports and the continuing importance of human contribution in athletics, questioning whether the tradition of tennis will lose its essence in pursuit of technical perfection.