Wimbledon has announced two operational updates ahead of the 138th staging of The Championships in 2025.
The schedule for The Championships final weekend has been altered, with the ladies' and gentlemen's doubles finals to start the day, commencing at 1pm, followed by the ladies’ and gentlemen’s singles finals at 4pm, on the final Saturday and Sunday respectively.
“We have adjusted the provisional schedule for the final weekend of The Championships with the ambition of improving the experience for all involved. The doubles players competing in the finals will have increased certainty over their schedule and fans will enjoy each day’s play as it builds towards the crescendo of the ladies’ and gentlemen’s singles finals, with our champions being crowned in front of the largest possible worldwide audience.” Sally Bolton, Chief Executive of the All England Club, said.
The other change will see Live Electronic Line Calling adopted at The Championships for the first time. The officiating technology will be in place for all Championships and Qualifying match courts and cover the ‘out’ and ‘fault’ calls that have previously been made by line umpires.
The decision to adopt Electronic Line Calling was made following the successful completion of extensive testing during this year’s Championships and builds on the existing ball tracking and line calling technology that has been in place for many years.
“The decision to introduce Live Electronic Line Calling at The Championships was made following a significant period of consideration and consultation,” Bolton said
“Having reviewed the results of the testing undertaken at The Championships this year, we consider the technology to be sufficiently robust and the time is right to take this important step in seeking maximum accuracy in our officiating. For the players, it will offer them the same conditions they have played under at a number of other events on tour"
"We take our responsibility to balance tradition and innovation at Wimbledon very seriously. Line umpires have played a central role in our officiating set-up at The Championships for many decades and we recognise their valuable contribution and thank them for their commitment and service.”
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