Wimbledon Adopts Video Review System in 2025.
Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Replay systems will make its debut at The Championships this year.
Competitors will gain the option to challenge certain calls from the chair umpire, mirroring the practice currently in operation at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This development comes just a year after the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to dispute the call of the ELC system, but they can request the official to review other decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential interference end of a point.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the number of reviews a player can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident occurred in a recent tournament last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the review system against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire watched a replay and determined Draper was responsible for interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't new for major tournaments. It was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have the system in place at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another change at The Championships this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where spectators have sometimes been unsure if a ball was in or out.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
