Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Replay technology will make its debut at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Players will gain the right to contest particular rulings made by the official, echoing the system already in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be accessible on the main stadium and Court One throughout the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step arrives only a season following the All England Club rolled out electronic line calling, which brought an end to the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can request the official to re-examine specific situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a player can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative case took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a difficult call for the umpire, but believed his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and determined the player was guilty of interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not exclusive to major tournaments. The system has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews in place at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another change at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves situations where the crowd have occasionally been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely a century of days remaining until the start of the Championships, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
