Wimbledon Embraces Video Review System This Season.
The tournament joins the US and Australian Opens in employing replay systems.
Replay technology will be launched at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Athletes will gain the right to contest certain rulings made by the chair umpire, following the system already in operation at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This step comes just a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can request the umpire to re-examine specific situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of reviews a player can ask for.
Practical Application
A recent example occurred in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and determined the player was responsible for hindrance, granting the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't new for Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Other Changes
Another innovation at Wimbledon 2025 will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.