Should We Eliminate Human Line Judges In Professional Tennis?
- Ruffin Thornton
- Jun 18
- 2 min read

It seems that more and more major WTA and ATP events are slowly replacing human line judges with electronic line-calling systems like Hawkeye, and I say,
"Good Riddance"! Let's face it: this is one of the few instances where technology is actually making the game better, and here's why. Professional tennis is played today at an incredibly fast pace. Serves can now reach speeds of 145 -150 mph! They are able to hit groundstrokes in the triple digits; these shots are literally untrack able with the human eye. We know when a judge is put on the spot with a call that they know they honestly can't determine, but to save face, they will often make an "educated" guess. Now, it is highly possible that they believe that what they saw was accurate, but with the pace of the modern game, can you really be sure? The game deserves to have consistency and accuracy when played at the highest level. The victories of these athletes should be based on their great skill, and not because human error cheated their opponent. This technology will take away the opportunity for players to question line calls. The McEnroe, Nastase, and Connors days of filibustering a disagreement with an official is now over! It's easy to argue with a human, but Shot-spot or Hawkeye it’s nearly impossible. Having electronic line calling will make all tournaments around the world consistent, and it will enhance the ethos of the game of tennis. I know that many traditionalists will be saddened by the loss of the "Human Element" of the game. But I feel that there are many traditions in the sport, i.e., white attire, white tennis balls, long tennis trousers, and wooden racquets, that are gone but the game continues to improve . Rest assured, we will continue to call lines the "traditional" way in your local tournaments, league matches, and pick-up matches everywhere to keep us satisfied. However, we must also acknowledge the potential for technology to malfunction. But when it happens, it can be corrected. The great gains override the small risks. So, I would like to take this time to bow our heads and say farewell to the dinosaur of human line judges. You served your purpose, but that page should be turned over forever!
What's your take?


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