Wimbledon Embraces Video Review Technology for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Replay technology are set to arrive at The Championships this year.
Athletes will gain the option to challenge certain calls from the chair umpire, following the system currently in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This development comes just a season following the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the umpire to review other decisions, including:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Notably, there will be no cap on the number of challenges a player can ask for.
Practical Application
A recent incident occurred in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough call for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and ruled the player was guilty of interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not exclusive to Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, 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 events.
Additional Innovations
A further change at Wimbledon 2025 will be the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the ELC system.
This solves situations where fans have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
Finally, with precisely a century of days to go until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
