Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review technology.
Replay technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Athletes will gain the ability to contest particular decisions made by the chair umpire, echoing the protocol already in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One throughout the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move follows just a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the ELC system, but they can request the umpire to review specific situations, including:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball touched an rival's racket or body during play.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Practical Application
An illustrative incident occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a tough call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and determined Draper was responsible for interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't exclusive to major tournaments. The system was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have the system in place at all of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further change at The Championships this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on displays to support the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where spectators have occasionally been uncertain if a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days to go until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
