Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in implementing video review technology.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Competitors will gain the right to contest certain decisions made by the chair umpire, echoing the practice already in place at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One throughout the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step comes just a season following the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which terminated the longstanding role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to challenge the call of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to review specific situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there is no cap on the number of reviews a player can ask for.
Practical Application
An illustrative example took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a difficult call for the official, but believed his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire watched a video and ruled Draper was guilty of hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not new for major tournaments. The system was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system in place at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves instances where spectators have sometimes been unsure if a shot was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
