It’s been 44 years since electronic music innovators Kraftwerk released the mournful, melodic, moving masterpiece “Computer Love”. And if that seems like a strange place to start an article on Wimbledon, let’s not forget there’s currently no love for the computer line judge in SW19, a system replacing a craft that did work.
With that painfully tenuous intro out of the way: the implementation of electronic line calling (ELC) at this year’s Wimbledon, a technology already used elsewhere on the tour, was always going to be controversial. The Championships at the All England Club are a tournament steeped in tradition, positively drenched in it – from the customary white attire adorned by players, to the men’s and women’s title winners dancing at the Champions’ Ball, to revellers relaxing on Henman Hill and enjoying Pimm’s, strawberries and cream.
