Wimbledon Adopts Video Replay System for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in employing replay technology.
Replay systems will make its debut at The Championships this year.
Athletes will gain the option to contest specific calls made by the chair umpire, mirroring the protocol already in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move comes just a season following the All England Club implemented ELC, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can request the umpire to review other situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball touched an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a competitor can initiate.
A Recent Example
A recent incident took place in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a difficult call for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and ruled Draper was responsible for hindrance, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not exclusive to major tournaments. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews in place at all of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
A further change at Wimbledon 2025 involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where fans have sometimes been uncertain if a ball was out or in.
In other news, with exactly a century of days to go until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
