Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Replay technology will make its debut at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Athletes will gain the right to contest specific rulings made by the chair umpire, mirroring the practice currently in operation at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
The new system is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step comes just a year after the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to challenge the call of the ELC system, but they can ask for the official to review other situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative case occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a difficult call for the official, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have the system in place at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
A further change at The Championships this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly 100 days to go until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have further revealed an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
