Technology

For the first time in its 147-year history, Wimbledon has replaced all human line judges with electronic line calling (ELC) systems, marking a transformative moment not just for tennis, but as a symbol of broader technology adoption and disruption across industries. The move, which has sparked debate among players, fans, and commentators, highlights both the potential and pitfalls of rapid automation.

According to Richard Clode, Technology Portfolio Manager at Janus Henderson Investors, the evolution of technology at Wimbledon is a striking metaphor for how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping workforces globally. “This isn’t just a tennis story,” Clode notes. “It’s a real-time case study in how technology impacts human performance, behaviour, and employment.”

From Hawk-Eye to Full Automation

Wimbledon began its digital transformation in 2007 with the introduction of Hawk-Eye, a ball-tracking system that provided oversight for more than 300 line judges. Eighteen years later, that oversight has become full automation, removing human judges from the equation entirely.

But what happens when technology becomes the norm rather than the assistant?

A study by David Almog, a behavioural economist at Northwestern University, analyzed nearly 100,000 points across 700 global matches before and after Hawk-Eye’s introduction. His findings revealed that while oversight improved performance—human judges made 8% fewer errors—the presence of technology changed their decision-making behavior. Judges became more hesitant to call borderline serves “out,” relying on technology as a safety net, which increased the number of unchallenged incorrect calls.

This behavioral shift serves as a warning: humans adapt not only their actions but also their accountability when AI is in play.

Lessons Beyond the Court

While the stakes in tennis may seem limited to sport, Clode draws parallels to sectors like law, medicine, finance, and transportation, where AI is rapidly altering workflows and decision-making processes. “AI isn’t just an opponent—it’s a collaborator,” he emphasizes. But it comes with challenges. The EU AI Act and ongoing debates over AI legislation in the U.S. reflect growing concerns about the legal, ethical, and social consequences of widespread algorithmic decision-making.

The lesson from Wimbledon is clear: introducing AI doesn't eliminate the need for human oversight—it demands a redefinition of responsibility.

Active Investment in an AI Future

For investors, this shift is more than philosophical. It’s actionable.

“Understanding which companies are not only leveraging AI but doing so responsibly is critical,” Clode says. “Just as ATMs changed banking in the 1960s without eliminating bank jobs entirely, we expect AI to improve productivity and create new job categories—even as it disrupts others.”

Clode sees AI as a key solution to long-term demographic challenges such as aging populations and shrinking labor pools, positioning it as a growth driver for the global economy. However, he cautions that job displacement—such as the line judges now sidelined at Wimbledon—will be an inevitable part of the transformation.

As Janus Henderson continues to support its sponsored players at Wimbledon, Clode urges stakeholders to reflect on how this tennis tradition is adapting—and what it reveals about the future of work.

“Technology has always changed how we play. Now it’s changing how we live and work. The question is: are we prepared for the rally?”

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