Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Replay technology will be launched at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Athletes are granted the option to challenge particular rulings from the official, echoing the practice currently in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This development arrives only a year after the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the umpire to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there is no cap on the number of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative case took place in a recent tournament last week, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a tough situation for the official, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and determined Draper was guilty of hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. It was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, 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 tournaments.
Further Updates
A further innovation at The Championships this year will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves situations where spectators have occasionally been unsure if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
