sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Wimbledon set for controversial change ahead of 2026 tournament for first time ever

Home> Tennis

Updated 18:40 21 Mar 2026 GMTPublished 18:19 21 Mar 2026 GMT

Wimbledon set for controversial change ahead of 2026 tournament for first time ever

There is a major change coming to Wimbledon from 2026 onwards.

Ryan Smart

Ryan Smart

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

A major change is set to be introduced at Wimbledon from the start of the 2026 tournament - and there has been a mixed response from tennis fans.

The Grand Slam event, which is held at the All England Club, is the oldest tennis tournament and is known for its iconic traditions.

Thousands of fans eat strawberries and cream on each day of the event each year, while every player must adhere to a strict all-white dress code.

There is also an exclusive box for members of the royal family and their guests.

Advert

In recent years, Wimbledon has updated several of its rules and regulations to match up with other Grand Slams, and brought in an electronic line calling system (ELC) to replace human line judges from 2025 onwards.

This year, they have gone a step further, introducing video review technology for the first time in the history of Wimbledon.

BBC Sport report that, while players cannot challenge decisions made by the ELC, they can request a video review by the umpire on other contentious decisions, such as whether the ball has bounced twice.

There is also no limit on the amount of reviews that a player can make per match. That is in contrast to the previous Hawk-Eye system for line calls, where players could make three unsuccessful challenges per set, and a fourth in the event of a tie-break.

While many tennis fans have praised the addition as a further technological advancement, there has been some criticism of the video technology when it has been used in other Grand Slams.

Although he was in favour of technology improving the game as a whole, Andy Murray described it as a 'farce' when it malfunctioned during the 2023 US Open.

And during Jack Draper's defeat to Daniil Medvedev at Indian Wells last week, the Brit raised his arms to dispute a line call while the two players were playing a point - only to be penalised for distracting Medvedev and losing the point as a result.

Medvedev said he felt 'a bit tough' about what had happened.

When it comes to the electronic line calling, meanwhile, Emma Raducanu replied 'no' when asked if she trusted all of the decisions during last year's Wimbledon.

And fans have voiced concern about both the time that video reviews could take out of the game, given they are unlimited, in comparison to sports such as football.

"It should be limited to, say, twice each player per set," one wrote.

"Just like VAR in football it still won't stop mistakes even using all the tech," another said.

"Don't do it," a third simply wrote.

While another claimed: "I can see certain players abusing this to throw off their opponent's momentum."

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Wimbledon, Tennis

Ryan Smart
Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.

Recommended reads

Tyson Fury explains why his 14-year-old son Prince has “no choice” but to become a boxerGettyTyson Fury targets Jon Jones clash as next move after boxing confirmedGetty“I don’t fight for a country” – Michael 'Venom' Page reveals why he won’t walk out with a flag at UFC LondonGeoff Stellfox/Getty ImagesLerone Murphy details ‘bucket list’ fight ahead of UFC LondonChris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Advert

  • Wimbledon official handed 33-year ban for controversial 'sexual' incident during the tournament
  • Tennis star calls for controversial rule to be introduced that would change the sport after first-round Wimbledon loss
  • Carlos Alcaraz calls for drastic tennis rule change ahead of Wimbledon as reigning champion hit with penalty
  • Wimbledon fans told not to travel to tournament as official statement released hours before first match

Choose your content:

2 days ago
3 days ago
4 days ago
  •  Mauricio Paiz/NurPhoto via Getty Images
    2 days ago

    Tennis star breaks down in tears and storms off the court in Miami Open meltdown

    The former world no.1 was devastated after suffering a brutal loss in the opening round.

    Tennis
  • Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
    2 days ago

    Miami Open hit by withdrawal hours before start of tournament

    The top-ranked star is just one of over 20 players who confirmed they were pulling out ahead of the first round.

    Tennis
  • Rich Storry/Getty Images
    3 days ago

    Aryna Sabalenka vows never to play tournament again after 'ridiculous' comment

    The women's world number one didn't hold back when responding to comments about her withdrawal from the Dubai Championships.

    Tennis
  • Getty
    4 days ago

    Ex-tennis star hit with four-year ban and forced to hand back prize money

    The former Australia number one has been handed a four-year ban from all tennis.

    Tennis