NEW DELHI: Amidst the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the Wimbledon Championships, tournament organisers and technology leaders have reassured line judges of their continued importance, at least for the time being.
In collaboration with IBM, the global tech giant, the All England Club unveiled the incorporation of new AI capabilities for this year's grass court tournament, scheduled to commence in the coming weeks.
One notable addition is a tool leveraging generative AI technology, which will enhance the viewing experience on the Wimbledon website and app. This tool will provide audio commentary for match highlights videos, offering fans insightful analysis and additional information.
And a "draw analysis" feature uses AI to define how favourable the path to the final might be for each player in the singles draws.
Bill Jinks, technology director at the All England Club, said Wimbledon had to work hard to stay at the cutting edge.
"Wimbledon is the oldest Grand Slam tournament and we have a rich heritage and traditions that go back all the way to 1877 and that's one of the main reasons people keep coming," he said.
"It's a huge part of that experience for people -- players and fans alike.
"But you can't do that without technological innovation. We wouldn't have remained at the pinnacle of the sport without that technological innovation to keep us there."
Wimbledon has a unique place in the global tennis calendar, with players and fans attracted by the hallowed traditions of the All England Club.