Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in employing video review systems.
Video review technology will make its debut at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Competitors will gain the option to question certain calls from the official, mirroring the practice already in use at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One throughout the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This move comes just a year after the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which terminated the longstanding tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Players cannot to challenge the call of the ELC system, but they can request the official to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the amount of challenges a player can request.
Practical Application
An illustrative incident occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and determined Draper was responsible for interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another innovation at The Championships this year involves the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where spectators have occasionally been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
