Wimbledon Shake-Up: Djokovic Sounds Off on Tradition Changes

Wimbledon, steeped in tradition, is facing a period of change, and Novak Djokovic, a prominent figure in the tennis world, has been vocal about these developments. From the চলে যাওয়া of line judges to scheduling adjustments, the All England Club is balancing its heritage with the demands of modern tennis.

The End of Line Judges: A Technological Takeover

One of the most significant changes coming to Wimbledon in 2025 is the elimination of human line judges. After 147 years, they are being replaced by Live Electronic Line Calling (ELC) technology on all courts, including qualifying matches. This decision aligns Wimbledon with the Australian and US Opens, leaving the French Open as the only Grand Slam to still rely on human line calls.

Why the Change?

Wimbledon’s chief executive, Sally Bolton, explained that this decision was made after “a significant period of consideration and consultation”. The move aims to provide “maximum accuracy” in matches, leveraging technology that has been successfully tested. Hawk-Eye technology has been assisting officials since 2007, allowing players to challenge calls. Now, the system will be fully automated across the site.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation

Jamie Baker, the tournament director, emphasized the importance of balancing tradition with innovation. While Wimbledon cherishes its heritage, including the all-white dress code, the integrity of the competition remains paramount. Baker believes that players, who are already accustomed to the technology, will likely be the least affected by this change.

Djokovic’s Stance on Tradition

Djokovic himself has previously called for changes to Wimbledon’s traditions. In 2014, he suggested ditching the “Middle Sunday” no-play rule to avoid match backlogs due to rain. He argued that Wimbledon should follow the example of the other Grand Slam tournaments.

Earlier Start Times

More recently, Djokovic has spoken out against late start times on Centre Court. He noted that the 1:30 pm start time, combined with an 11 pm curfew, has led to interrupted matches. He suggested moving the start time to 12 pm to avoid these issues.

Scheduling Changes for Finals

In addition to the ELC implementation, Wimbledon is also adjusting the scheduling of the men’s and women’s finals. These matches will now be played at 4 pm instead of the traditional 2 pm slot, with the men’s and women’s doubles finals taking place at 1 pm.

Other Wimbledon Traditions

Wimbledon is known for its many traditions, some of which remain untouched. These include:

• All-White Attire: Players must adhere to a strict all-white dress code.
• Strawberries and Cream: This classic treat is a staple for fans attending the tournament.
• Royal Box: Members of the Royal Family and other dignitaries often attend matches and sit in the Royal Box.
• The Queue: Dedicated fans line up for hours, sometimes overnight, to secure tickets to the matches.
• Debenture Tickets: These tickets, which are sold every five years, offer guaranteed Centre Court or No.1 Court seats for each day of The Championships.

Djokovic’s Wimbledon Broadcasting Role

Adding another layer to the story, Novak Djokovic was reportedly dropped from his Wimbledon broadcasting role after being labeled “disrespectful” by tournament organizers. Allegedly, comments he made during the 2023 tournament regarding younger players and Wimbledon traditions were considered “out of touch” with the tournament’s values. The All England Club stated that they “believe a different direction is best for this year’s coverage”.

During a 2023 broadcast, Djokovic allegedly said that younger players “lack the mental toughness of previous generations” and questioned Wimbledon’s all-white dress code.

Concluding Thoughts

As Wimbledon embraces technological advancements and adjusts its scheduling, the tournament is striving to maintain its unique identity while adapting to the evolving landscape of professional tennis. While some traditions are being phased out, others remain steadfast, preserving the tournament’s rich history and unique charm. Whether these changes will be for the better remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Wimbledon will continue to be a captivating event for players and fans alike.