Rackets
Until the 1970s the game was played with wooden rackets with a small head. Steel and aluminium rackets came next, then a larger head from Prince in 1976, and graphite in the 1980s. Rackets are lighter and stiffer, so players hit faster. Polyester strings made it possible to play with heavy spin (topspin).
Hawk-Eye
The system was developed by Paul Hawkins, originally for cricket. Several high-speed cameras track the ball, and a computer calculates its trajectory and landing spot to within millimetres. In 2006 players could request a review (a challenge) for the first time.
Electronic lines
Systems such as Electronic Line Calling Live call balls out automatically in real time. They were used at the US Open in 2020 and at the Australian Open in 2021, and in 2025 Wimbledon replaced its line judges completely.
Data and AI
Cameras record serve speed, spin, a player's movement and their position on court. Coaches analyse opponents' weaknesses from the data. Players also use sensors on their rackets and watches that measure training load.