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The Guardian
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
‘It'll always need humans': former Wimbledon line judge laments the Hawk-Eye era
The cloth cap and blazer-wearing line judges of Wimbledon are as much an icon of this famous old sporting event as the manicured lawn courts. But this, the 138th tournament in its storied history, was the year SW19 took a leap into the 21st century – replacing some of their judges with an electronic line-calling system that was supposed to put an end to human error. Now, as the sun sets on this new era at Wimbledon, many of the headlines have been about just that. Mistakes have been blamed on the people operating it, much to the ire of players forced to replay points that were sabotaged by the faltering Hawk-Eye. The irony has not been lost on one former line judge. Pauline Eyre's beady eye was once trained on swerving kick serves from the likes of Jimmy Connors; this year she watched from afar, and in exasperation. 'You cannot just keep taking away anything that makes it human in order to create some kind of perfection for players who are also flawed, that's what they have to deal with, that's what sport is,' said Eyre, who worked as a line judge for 20 years, spanning 16 Wimbledon championships and 12 finals. 'Sport is about people,' she said. 'The principle is more important than the very occasional difference to one call.' In many ways, Wimbledon is falling in line with other professional tennis tournaments, including the Australian Open and US Open, which also use automated ball-tracking technology known as electronic line-calling or ELC. The French Open remains the only grand slam that still employs human line judges. Wimbledon uses the ELC provider Hawk-Eye, which has 10 cameras around the court and tracks the bound of a ball to a margin of error of 2.2mm. Previously, ELC was used as a safety backup when players had challenged calls by line judges. But at this year's debut, players were forced to replay points at crucial stages after an operator unintentionally switched off a set of cameras with one computer click. The technology has since been overhauled so that cameras cannot be turned off when the system is operational. For Eyre, it's not just the sometimes theatrical tradition of players challenging calls that is lost, or the distinctive uniform seen across the grounds, but the personnel as well. Some of the line judges, formerly numbering 300, who became court assistants are no longer putting their specialised expertise to use, she said, and for the players, there are no visual cues confirming each call on court. Sign up to The Recap The best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend's action after newsletter promotion 'It'll always need humans,' Eyre said. 'And what you've got then is humans in an underground bunker pressing buttons instead of humans standing on a court in the fresh air, visible.' During this year's tournament, Emma Raducanu expressed her disappointment that 'the calls can be so wrong' after her loss to top seed Aryna Sabalenka. Jack Draper said it was a 'shame' that the tradition of umpires was lost and said it's easier for players not having to worry about line calls. A spokesperson for the All England Club said the decision to introduce live electronic line calling was made after a significant period of consideration and consultation, and acknowledged the 'vital' role line officials played at the tournament for decades. 'For the players, it offers them the same conditions they play with on tour and, crucially, this is what the players want and expect,' the spokesperson said. 'Ultimately, live electronic line-calling is by far the most accurate way to call the lines on a tennis court, and that's why tennis has, and is, adopting this system.' What is next, wondered Eyre, whose career is now in comedy: 'Should we replace the royal box with AI? Should we replace the ball kids with a machine that will throw the ball at you?' Attending the championship for the third time, travelling from Scotland, tennis fan David Cullen said he agrees with the technology in principle, for its efficiency and reliability. Aesthetically, it was good to see the line judges on court and the interactions with players on court, contended Jane Carter, 58, outside No 1 Court. 'I would think that it would improve with use over time,' replied Cullen, 62. 'AI, unfortunately, is the way it's going to go for all sporting events,' he added, lamenting the use of VAR in football, which he said slows down the game. Standing beneath the shade of No 1 Court, Tom Mansell said the technology takes the 'fun out of it' and said the more jobs for people, the better. 'If there's going to be errors either way, then why can't it be a human making the decision?' said Mansell. 'It's a skill as well, actually, being a judge,' he added. 'We'd much rather keep that alive than lose it.'
The Guardian
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
‘It'll always need humans': former Wimbledon line judge laments the Hawk-Eye era
The cloth cap and blazer-wearing line judges of Wimbledon are as much an icon of this famous old sporting event as the manicured lawn courts. But this, the 138th tournament in its storied history, was the year SW19 took a leap into the 21st century – replacing some of their judges with an electronic line-calling system that was supposed to put an end to human error. Now, as the sun sets on this new era at Wimbledon, many of the headlines have been about just that. Mistakes have been blamed on the people operating it, much to the ire of players forced to replay points that were sabotaged by the faltering Hawk-Eye. The irony has not been lost on one former line judge. Pauline Eyre's beady eye was once trained on swerving kick serves from the likes of Jimmy Connors; this year she watched from afar, and in exasperation. 'You cannot just keep taking away anything that makes it human in order to create some kind of perfection for players who are also flawed, that's what they have to deal with, that's what sport is,' said Eyre, who worked as a line judge for 20 years, spanning 16 Wimbledon championships and 12 finals. 'Sport is about people,' she said. 'The principle is more important than the very occasional difference to one call.' In many ways, Wimbledon is falling in line with other professional tennis tournaments, including the Australian Open and US Open, which also use automated ball-tracking technology known as electronic line-calling or ELC. The French Open remains the only grand slam that still employs human line judges. Wimbledon uses the ELC provider Hawk-Eye, which has 10 cameras around the court and tracks the bound of a ball to a margin of error of 2.2mm. Previously, ELC was used as a safety backup when players had challenged calls by line judges. But at this year's debut, players were forced to replay points at crucial stages after an operator unintentionally switched off a set of cameras with one computer click. The technology has since been overhauled so that cameras cannot be turned off when the system is operational. For Eyre, it's not just the sometimes theatrical tradition of players challenging calls that is lost, or the distinctive uniform seen across the grounds, but the personnel as well. Some of the line judges, formerly numbering 300, who became court assistants are no longer putting their specialised expertise to use, she said, and for the players, there are no visual cues confirming each call on court. Sign up to The Recap The best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend's action after newsletter promotion 'It'll always need humans,' Eyre said. 'And what you've got then is humans in an underground bunker pressing buttons instead of humans standing on a court in the fresh air, visible.' During this year's tournament, Emma Raducanu expressed her disappointment that 'the calls can be so wrong' after her loss to top seed Aryna Sabalenka. Jack Draper said it was a 'shame' that the tradition of umpires was lost and said it's easier for players not having to worry about line calls. A spokesperson for the All England Club said the decision to introduce live electronic line calling was made after a significant period of consideration and consultation, and acknowledged the 'vital' role line officials played at the tournament for decades. 'For the players, it offers them the same conditions they play with on tour and, crucially, this is what the players want and expect,' the spokesperson said. 'Ultimately, live electronic line-calling is by far the most accurate way to call the lines on a tennis court, and that's why tennis has, and is, adopting this system.' What is next, wondered Eyre, whose career is now in comedy: 'Should we replace the royal box with AI? Should we replace the ball kids with a machine that will throw the ball at you?' Attending the championship for the third time, travelling from Scotland, tennis fan David Cullen said he agrees with the technology in principle, for its efficiency and reliability. Aesthetically, it was good to see the line judges on court and the interactions with players on court, contended Jane Carter, 58, outside No 1 Court. 'I would think that it would improve with use over time,' replied Cullen, 62. 'AI, unfortunately, is the way it's going to go for all sporting events,' he added, lamenting the use of VAR in football, which he said slows down the game. Standing beneath the shade of No 1 Court, Tom Mansell said the technology takes the 'fun out of it' and said the more jobs for people, the better. 'If there's going to be errors either way, then why can't it be a human making the decision?' said Mansell. 'It's a skill as well, actually, being a judge,' he added. 'We'd much rather keep that alive than lose it.'
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
50 years ago, Arthur Ashe became the first black man to win Wimbledon
The post 50 years ago, Arthur Ashe became the first black man to win Wimbledon appeared first on ClutchPoints. Some of the most historic feats in tennis have happened at Wimbledon. One of those moments came 50 years ago, when Arthur Ashe broke a barrier as the first black man to win on the hallowed grass courts. Advertisement He did on July 5, 1975, against the fiesty and ferocious Jimmy Connors. At the time, Connors was the No. 1-ranked player in the world. Not to mention, there was an ultimate contrast in personalities. Connors looked to pick fights with everyone, from opponents to referees. Ashe was a quiet, dignified man who let his game speak for itself. Ultimately, Ashe defeated Connors in four sets by playing a much slower pace game to counter Connors' power. He utilized low-ball shots and lobs, controlling the pace of the match. His win came at a critical time in Ashe's career and society as a whole. Before that day, Ashe had not only emerged as a tennis star but also as a prominent social activist. In 1968, he became the first black man to win the U.S. Open. Two years later, Ashe won the Australian Open. Advertisement In 1973, Ashe became the first black player to be granted permission to play in the South African Open. At the time, South Africa was operating under the system of Apartheid, which denied black citizens civil rights, voting rights, and property ownership. Also, prominent anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela was serving a 27-year prison sentence at Robben Island. As a result, South Africa was under a sporting boycott by various nations and governing bodies. While there, Ashe had found his calling in the realm of racial justice. In the years ahead, he used his platform to call attention to the issue of Apartheid. On February 6, 1993, Ashe passed away from complications due to AIDS at the age of 49. Advertisement Arthur Ashe's win paved the way for the black players today. His 1975 Wimbledon title is perhaps the most consequential victory of Ashe's career. In part due to the pageantry and symbolism that Wimbledon represents. That victory propelled the likes of Venus/Serena Williams, Zina Garrison, Coco Gauff, Sloane Stephens, and Frances Tiafoe to go far in tennis. It was Tiafoe who followed in Ashe's path after making it to the semifinals at the 2022 U.S. Open. He had become the first black man to do so since Ashe in 1972. Related: Wimbledon news: Carlos Alcaraz's 21st straight win puts him in Rafael Nadal company Related: Aryna Sabalenka's consistency reaches Serena Williams heights at Wimbledon
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fans React to Wimbledon's Emotional Tribute Honoring Arthur Ashe's Historic Win
Fans React to Wimbledon's Emotional Tribute Honoring Arthur Ashe's Historic Win originally appeared on Athlon Sports. July 4th may be one of the most important days in American history, but the day after holds its own significance as one of the most important days in sports history. Advertisement On July 5th, 1975, Arthur Ashe became the first Black man to win Wimbledon, defeating Jimmy Connors in four sets. It was a historic moment that not only inspired future tennis legends like Serena Williams, but multiple generations of fans and players from around the world. Wimbledon posted an emotional tribute on their Instagram account to celebrate the life and legacy of Arthur Ashe, as he went from underdog to icon 50 years ago today. Fan reactions poured in, with many sharing personal stories about their memories of Ashe's historic win. "I was recently asked what sparked my love of tennis. Without thinking, I responded 'Arthur Ashe.' I remember watching his elegant style and being drawn to his manner and eloquence. He was taken from us too soon. 💔🙏🏽," said one commenter. Advertisement Some recalled where they were the moment Ashe put away the off-balanced backhand return from Connors to win the championship. "I remember that day in 1975, [...] I was 14 yrs old on a tennis court in NJ. His win sparked my resolve to play tennis for the rest of my life and to be the best player that I could be!" "Forever lucky to have met Arthur several times at Wimbledon and talk a little about tennis," a third posted. "I love him for his courage and talent. 'Beware the fury of a patient man.' He gave scholarships to young athletes that changed their life in positive ways, made my life deeper and more meaningful. Thank you Author Ashe!🔥🔥🔥," shared another. Others appreciated the heartwarming tribute. "Thank you for the tribute! Arthur is always present❤️." Advertisement "What a beautiful tribute to this amazing man ✨." "There is no modern parallel to Ashe. That's ok. He was one of a kind. ❤️🙏🏾💪🏾👍🏾." Arthur Ashe (USA) hoists the championship trophy after winning the 1975 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Cranham/Offside Sports via Imagn Images Ashe believed to have contracted HIV from a blood transfusion in 1983 and was diagnosed with AIDS in 1988. He passed away on February 6, 1993, at just 49 years old, leaving behind a legacy that inspires fans to this day, and will continue to do so for decades to come. Related: Justin Thomas Drops New Collab with 5-Word Warning on Label This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
San Francisco Chronicle
07-07-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Today in Sports - Venus Williams beats Lindsay Davenport 6-3, 7-6 (3) for her first Grand Slam title
July 8 1889 — John L. Sullivan defeats Jake Kilrain in the 75th round in Richburg, Miss., for the U.S. heavyweight championship. It's the last bare-knuckle boxing match before the Marquis of Queensbury rules are introduced. 1922 — Suzanne Lenglen beats Molla Bjurstedt Mallory, 6-2, 6-0 for her fourth straight singles title at Wimbledon. 1939 — Bobby Riggs beats Elwood Cooke in five sets to win the men's singles title at Wimbledon. 1941 — Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox hits a three-run, two-out homer in the ninth inning to give the American League a dramatic 7-5 victory in the All-Star game at Detroit's Briggs Stadium. 1955 — Peter Thomson wins his second consecutive British Open finishing two strokes ahead of John Fallon. Thomson shoots a 7-under 281 at the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland. 1967 — Billie Jean King sweeps three titles at Wimbledon. King beats Ann Hayden Jones 6-3, 6-4, for the singles title; teams with Rosie Casals for the women's doubles title, and pairs with Owen Davidson for the mixed doubles title. 1978 — Bjorn Borg beats Jimmy Connors, 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 to win his third straight men's title at Wimbledon. 1984 — John McEnroe whips Jimmy Connors 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 in 100-degree temperatures to take the men's singles title at Wimbledon. 1990 — West Germany wins the World Cup as Andreas Brehme scores with 6 minutes to go for a 1-0 victory over defending champion Argentina in a foul-marred final. 1991 — Michael Stich upsets three-time champion Boris Becker to win the men's singles title at Wimbledon, 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-4. 1994 — Preliminary trial rules there is enough evidence to try O.J. Simpson. 1995 — Top-ranked Steffi Graf wins her sixth Wimbledon singles title, beating Arantxa Sanchez Vicario 4-6, 6-1, 7-5. 1995 — NHL Draft: Detroit Jr. Red Wings (OHL) defenceman Bryan Berard first pick by Ottawa Senators. 1996 — Switzerland's Martina Hingis becomes the youngest champion in Wimbledon history at 15 years, 282 days, teaming with Helena Sukova to beat Meredith McGrath and Larisa Neiland 5-7, 7-5, 6-1 in women's doubles. 2000 — Venus Williams beats Lindsay Davenport 6-3, 7-6 (3) for her first Grand Slam title. Williams is the first black women's champion at Wimbledon since Althea Gibson in 1957-58. 2007 — Roger Federer wins his fifth straight Wimbledon championship, beating Rafael Nadal 7-6 (7), 4-6, 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-2. I's also Federer's 11th Grand Slam title overall. 2010 — Paul Goydos becomes the fourth golfer in PGA Tour history to shoot a 59. Goydos puts together his 12-under, bogey-free round on the opening day of the John Deere Classic. Goydos makes the turn at 4-under, then birdies all but one hole on the back nine at the 7,257-yard TPC Deere Run course. 2012 — Roger Federer equals Pete Sampras' record of seven men's singles titles at the All England Club, and wins his 17th Grand Slam title overall, by beating Andy Murray 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4. 2014 — Germany hands Brazil its heaviest World Cup loss ever with an astounding 7-1 rout in the semifinals that stuns the host nation. Miroslav Klose scores a record-setting 16th career World Cup goal in a five-goal spurt in the first half and Germany goes on to score the most goals in a World Cup semifinal. 2016 — Roger Federer loses in the Wimbledon semifinals for the first time in his career, falling to Milos Raonic 6-3, 6-7 (3), 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 on Centre Court. The 34-year-old Federer had been 10-0 in Wimbledon semifinals, winning seven of his finals. 2018 — South Korean golfer Sei Young Ki breaks the LPGA 72-hole scoring record with a 31-under par 257 in winning the Thornberry Creek Classic. _____
