Wimbledon Introduces Video Review System in 2025.
The tournament joins the American and Australian Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Replay technology will make its debut at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Players are granted the right to question certain rulings made by the chair umpire, following the protocol currently in use at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step follows just a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but they can ask for the official to review specific situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there will be no cap on the amount of reviews a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident took place in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled the player was responsible for interference, awarding the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Other Changes
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where spectators have sometimes been unsure if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, organizers have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
