Wimbledon Introduces Video Replay System This Season.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing replay technology.
Video review technology will make its debut at The Championships this year.
Athletes will gain the right to question specific rulings made by the chair umpire, mirroring the practice already in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
The new system will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step arrives only a year after the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to challenge the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the umpire to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot touched an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident occurred in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and determined the player was guilty of interference, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews are not new for Grand Slams. It was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent 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 events.
Further Updates
A further innovation at The Championships 2025 involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves situations where fans have sometimes been unsure whether a shot was out or in.
Finally, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
