Wimbledon Embraces Video Replay Technology in 2025.
The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors will gain the right to challenge particular decisions from the chair umpire, following the system already in operation at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step comes just a year after the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old role of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can request the official to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Potential hindrance end of a rally.
Notably, there is no cap on the amount of reviews a competitor can request.
Case in Point
A recent incident occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the official, but thought his rival had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and determined the player was responsible for hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't new for major tournaments. It was adopted at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit will have the system in place at every one of its events.
Other Changes
Another change at The Championships this year involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves situations where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain whether a ball was in or out.
In other news, with precisely a century of days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
