With only two months before the start of this year’s Championships, the All-England Lawn Tennis Club has announced that several exciting changes will be taking place on the grounds of SW19.
Wimbledon has a rich history steeped in traditions, but it has stepped into the modern era by agreeing only weeks ago to pay equal prize money. Also, the AELTC announced today that the Hawk-Eye instant replay system will make its debut on Centre Court this year.
Hawk-Eye Challenge System
Hawk-Eye made its Grand Slam debut last fall at the US Open and was also successfully used at the Australian Open in January. Obviously, because of the visible mark left on clay courts, Hawk-Eye is not a need at Roland Garros, but the slippery grass courts at Wimbledon have needed an instant replay system for years.
According to AELTC chief executive Ian Ritchie, the rules for using the system have not been determined, but they are expected to be similar to the ones used at Melbourne and Flushing Meadows. “We’re looking at the options available to us at the moment,” said Richie.
“It’s unlikely we’ll implement unlimited challenges. We’re considering the possibility of an extension but there’s a balance to strike with the continuity that was evident in the US and Australian Opens.”
“Different situations can arise on grass courts where the service is especially important,” added Richie. “We’re looking at the alternatives – maybe a limited extension to the number of challenges. But unlimited challenges are not an option.”
The decision to utilize Hawk-Eye is still subject to a final test in May, but at this point, the AELTC is planning on using it on Centre Court and Court No. 1, with Rolex signed on as Hawk-Eye’s sponsor.
Higher Prize Money
Tim Phillips, the Chairman of the AELTC and Wimbledon, announced today that the prize money for the 2007 Championships has been raised, making Wimbledon the richest event in tennis. “No tennis tournament has ever offered higher prize money than Wimbledon in 2007,” said Phillips. “We want to reward the players appropriately for the talent, entertainment and drama they bring to the grass courts of Wimbledon.”
The ladies champion will receive the same winner’s check as the men – £700,000 or approximately $1.4 million USD. Overall, the prize money on the women’s side of the event has been raised by 12%.
Ladies Invitational Doubles Event
A special ladies invitational doubles tournament will take place at SW19 during the fortnight with eight pairs of former top players competing. Many of the players will be former Wimbledon singles and doubles champions including Jana Novotna, Conchita Martinez, and Gigi Fernandez. The format will be two groups of four playing in a round robin, with all matches going to two sets with a Championship tie break (first to 10 points).
The 2007 Championships at Wimbledon will be held on June 25-July 8, 2007. The ladies final will take place on July 7.
