Wimbledon Introduces Video Review System in 2025.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Video review technology will be launched at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Competitors are granted the option to contest certain calls from the chair umpire, following the practice already in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This development comes just a season following the All England Club rolled out ELC, which terminated the 147-year role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine other decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the number of challenges a player can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent incident took place in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a tough call for the umpire, but believed his rival had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire watched a video and ruled Draper was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. The system was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system in place at all of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have sometimes been unsure if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with precisely a century of days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
