Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in employing replay technology.
Video review technology will make its debut at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors will gain the right to challenge specific rulings from the chair umpire, echoing the protocol already in use at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move arrives only a season following the All England Club implemented ELC, which terminated the longstanding tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the umpire to review other decisions, including:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a competitor can initiate.
A Recent Example
A recent case occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a difficult call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire viewed a video and determined Draper was responsible for interference, awarding the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. The system 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 plans to have video reviews implemented at all of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another innovation at The Championships 2025 will be the introduction of graphical cues on displays to support the audio calls from the ELC system.
This solves instances where spectators have sometimes been unsure if a ball was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
