Wimbledon will be all change for 2025, with Frances Tiafoe leading the way for players likely to really dislike its new rule.
Tiafoe has hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons in recent times, having only just shone at the US Open.
The American reached the semi-finals of his home Grand Slam last month, before losing to compatriot Taylor Fritz.
But Tiafoe then suffered an early exit at the Japan Open following his Laver Cup loss with Team World, before another early exit at the Shanghai Masters.
Tiafoe apologised after his furious rant at the umpire following that latter exit, with the American furious after being given a time violation at a key stage of his defeat to Roman Safiullin.
Frances Tiafoe may dislike new Wimbledon rule for 2025
And such fury may just be repeated at the All England Club next year, with Wimbledon replacing line judges with artificial intelligence.
Such technology was adopted by the Australian Open back in 2021, with Tiafoe saying in his press conference after losing to Novak Djokovic in the second round: “I hate it. I cannot stand it. It’s going to take a while to get used to, I guess, if they keep carrying on with it. But, I mean, I’m not a fan.
READ MORE: Frances Tiafoe messages Tommy Paul after his ‘incredible’ Shanghai Masters win over Alejandro Tabilo
“I don’t think I’ll ever be a fan. It is what it is. I think there will be misses. Things are happening so fast. I get technology is at a crazy high level. I’m just not a believer in it.
“They’re going to do what they’re going to do. It doesn’t matter what I say. They’re not going to change anything because Frances Tiafoe said it. I’m never going to be for it.”
Frances Tiafoe likely to be joined by Taylor Fritz in Wimbledon anger
Tiafoe is clearly dead against the use of the electronic line system, but he isn’t the only one, with many tennis fans angry with Wimbledon’s decision to abolish line judges.
Fellow American Fritz could also be in for some frustrating moments at SW19 next time out, with the US Open finalist having had an issue with the technology at the recent Cincinnati Open.
Fritz was left furious with a technical error with the electronic line call system during his first round meeting with Brandon Nakashima.
It remains to be seen how successful AI will be at Wimbledon, which will replace human officials for the first time in its 147-year history.
The Grand Slam is following in the footsteps of the Australian Open and indeed the US Open, with Flushing Meadows having adopted electronic line calling in 2022.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
