Sunday, February 16, 2025

Tech’s Impact on Sports Drama: Wimbledon to VAR

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Line judges will no longer feature at Wimbledon from next year

David Bayliss, a former Wimbledon line judge, shares his thoughts on the decision to replace human line judges with technology for “maximum accuracy”.

Bayliss, who served for 22 years at Wimbledon, recalls memorable moments and jokes about being hit by a ball at high speed.

While he acknowledges the logic behind the change, some wonder if it will impact the drama and human element of the game that fans enjoy.

Technology like Hawk-Eye has been integral to tennis, and other major tournaments have also adopted electronic systems, following a trend set by Wimbledon.

Reuters David Bayliss at Wimbledon with Andy Murray
Reuters

David Bayliss during a match at the Wimbledon championships in 2013

Bayliss highlights the trust players have in electronic line-calling systems, emphasizing their accuracy over human judgment.

Dr. Anna Fitzpatrick, a former tennis player, expresses sadness at the loss of the human element in sports due to increasing technology.

Experts discuss the impact of technology on sports, with differing opinions on whether it enhances or detracts from the sporting experience.


Vocabulary List:

  1. Integral /ˈɪn.tə.ɡrəl/ (adjective): Essential to completeness or the whole.
  2. Accuracy /ˈæk.jʊ.rə.si/ (noun): The quality of being correct or precise.
  3. Acknowledge /əkˈnɒl.ɪdʒ/ (verb): To accept or admit the existence or truth of something.
  4. Impact /ˈɪm.pækt/ (noun): The strong effect or influence something has on a situation or person.
  5. Drama /ˈdrɑː.mə/ (noun): Exciting emotional or unexpected events or situations.
  6. Element /ˈel.ɪ.mənt/ (noun): A part or component of a whole.

How much do you know?


Who shares thoughts on replacing human line judges with technology at Wimbledon?
David Bayliss
Dr. Anna Fitzpatrick
Andy Murray
John Williams


What has been integral to tennis and adopted by other major tournaments?
Hawk-Eye
Human line judges
Player judgment
Scoreboards


For how many years did David Bayliss serve at Wimbledon?
10 years
15 years
22 years
30 years


Who expresses sadness at the loss of the human element in sports?
David Bayliss
Dr. Anna Fitzpatrick
Andy Murray
John Williams


Which tournament set the trend for adopting electronic systems in tennis?
US Open
French Open
Australian Open
Wimbledon


What technology has been used for "maximum accuracy" in line calls?
Hawk-Eye
Virtual Reality
Drones
Robots


David Bayliss was a line judge at Wimbledon for 30 years.


Dr. Anna Fitzpatrick believes that technology enhances the sporting experience.


Replacing human line judges at Wimbledon is expected to impact the drama in the game.


Electronic systems have been adopted by all major tennis tournaments.


The decision to remove human line judges was influenced by the use of Hawk-Eye technology.


David Bayliss was hit by a ball at high speed during his time as a line judge.


David Bayliss served as a line judge at Wimbledon for years.


Dr. Anna Fitzpatrick expresses sadness at the loss of the human element in sports due to increasing .


Experts have differing opinions on whether technology enhances or detracts from the sporting .


Replacing human line judges with technology at Wimbledon is aimed at achieving "maximum ."


Hawk-Eye technology is known for its accuracy in line .


Dr. Anna Fitzpatrick is a former player.

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