Wimbledon 2025 is set to deliver a blend of tradition and innovation, promising a unique experience for players and fans alike. From technological advancements to adjustments in scheduling and, of course, the classic strawberries and cream, here's a glimpse into what's new at this year's championships.

The End of an Era: Electronic Line Calling

One of the most noticeable changes this year is the complete removal of line judges, marking the end of a 148-year tradition. For the first time, Electronic Line Calling (ELC) technology will be used on all match courts, including the qualifying venue. This move aligns Wimbledon with the US and Australian Opens, leaving the French Open as the only Grand Slam still relying on human line judges. Over 450 cameras have been installed across Wimbledon and its qualifying venue to ensure accurate, real-time line calls. While some lament the loss of tradition, many believe this change will bring greater consistency and accuracy to the sport. To preserve some human element, around 80 former line officials will be retained as "match assistants" to support chair umpires and provide backup in case of system failure. These assistants will also handle logistical tasks. Wimbledon will employ staff members to provide the electronic calls, using different voices on different courts to avoid confusion. Players can request a replay of the decision on the screens.

A Shift in Scheduling

The provisional schedule for the final weekend has been adjusted. The Gentlemen's and Ladies' Doubles finals will now commence at 1 pm, followed by the Ladies' and Gentlemen's Singles finals at 4 pm on the second Saturday and Sunday, respectively. This change aims to enhance viewership, particularly in North and South America. The schedule for the singles semi-finals will remain unchanged, and the mixed doubles final is still scheduled for the third match on the second Thursday.

Strawberries and Cream: A Price Adjustment

For the first time in 15 years, the price of the iconic strawberries and cream has increased. The cost has risen from £2.50 to £2.70 per portion. This 20p increase is expected to generate an additional £28,000 for the All England Club, based on the sale of approximately 140,000 punnets each year. Despite the price hike, Wimbledon maintains that the treat remains reasonably priced. Approximately 1.9 million strawberries (38.4 tonnes) are consumed each year, along with 7,000 liters of cream.

Players to Watch

The 2025 Wimbledon Championships promise thrilling competition, with several top players vying for the title. Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion, will be aiming for a third consecutive title. Other players to watch include Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and British hopeful Jack Draper.

Prize Money

The total prize money for Wimbledon 2025 is a record £53,500,000, a 7% increase from 2024. The men's and women's singles champions will each receive £3,000,000, an 11.11% increase compared to the previous year. Runners-up will net £1.52 million, and semi-finalists £775,000. Doubles winners will receive £680,000 per pair, while runners-up will get £345,000.

Other Key Information

• The tournament will run from June 30 to July 13.
• The dress code for players remains all-white, a tradition that Wimbledon steadfastly upholds.
• The queue for on-the-day tickets remains a celebrated Wimbledon tradition, with specific rules in place to ensure fairness and order.
• The Wimbledon Championships will be broadcasted with streams reaching 50 million in the UK alone.