Wimbledon will follow the Australian Open and US Open by introducing Video Reviews in 2026.
The decision comes a year after Wimbledon implemented Electronic Line Calling.
It’s another move that reduces the chair umpire’s importance.
One of the sport’s greatest-ever umpires, Carlos Bernardes, has now given his verdict on the future of technology in tennis.
Carlos Bernardes wouldn’t be surprised if umpires disappear
During an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bernardes, an umpire for over 40 years, shared his thoughts on Wimbledon’s decision.
“Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later,” he said.
“As other Grand Slam tournaments, like the US Open and the Australian Open, had already adopted this system, as well as many other events on the Tour, it was a path that was bound to be undertaken.”
The Brazilian went on to speak about the future of umpires in tennis.
“It’s a bit hard not to think that, somehow, the umpire could be replaced, sooner or later,” said Bernardes.
“If I’m not mistaken, this is one of the ideas of the former Australian Open director: everything would be controlled from off-court.”
During an interview with the Australian Financial Review earlier this year, former Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley outlined his plans to remove umpires.
“My objective eventually is to have no officiating on the court; it’s all done behind the scenes,” said Tiley.
Bernardes believes Tiley will have his wish, as technology continues to evolve.
“Technology is here to stay, not just in tennis but in our lives in general,” he said.
“The game has become faster, with fewer arguments and fewer tense moments. The relationship between players and referees has changed and will continue to change even more.
“Just look at other sports: in soccer today, when a goal is scored, what do people pay more attention to? The scorer or the referee waiting for VAR to confirm everything is legal? In tennis, it’s no different, and technology continues to evolve ever more rapidly.
“What if the chair umpire disappears? I wouldn’t bet on it not happening…”
It certainly looks like tennis is heading in that direction.
Would losing umpires be bad for tennis?
The purpose of the umpire is to ensure matches run smoothly, without mistakes.
But that’s not all they’re good for.
Umpires make a tennis tournament feel complete, and it would be strange without them.
Plus, technology doesn’t always work!
Bernardes used the example of VAR in football, which is far from perfect.
Not only has the introduction of VAR left fans frustrated, needing to wait for confirmation before they can celebrate goals, but the decisions aren’t always correct.
So if removing humans from the equation replaces human error with technological errors, what’s the point?
It would be better to keep umpires around, but give them as much help as possible so they can reach the right decision.
Only time will tell what the future holds for umpires in tennis…
