Wimbledon Introduces Video Review System in 2025.
The tournament joins the American and Australian Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Replay technology will be launched at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes will gain the ability to question certain rulings made by the chair umpire, following the protocol currently in use at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
The new system will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development arrives only a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which terminated the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the official to review specific decisions, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there will be no limit on the number of reviews a player can initiate.
Case in Point
A recent incident occurred in a recent tournament recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and determined the player was guilty of interference, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. It was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have the system in place at all of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of graphical cues on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where spectators have sometimes been unsure whether a shot was in or out.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
