Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Replay technology will be launched at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Players are granted the right to challenge specific rulings made by the chair umpire, mirroring the protocol already in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step comes just a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the umpire to review other situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a competitor can request.
A Recent Example
A recent incident took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and determined the player was responsible for interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. The system was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have the system implemented at all of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further innovation at The Championships this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on displays to support the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where fans have occasionally been unsure whether a shot was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
