Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in implementing replay technology.
Video review systems will make its debut at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Competitors will gain the ability to question specific rulings made by the official, echoing the protocol currently in use at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This development follows just a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to challenge the call of the ELC system, but they can request the umpire to review other situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible interference end of a point.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the number of challenges a player can request.
A Recent Example
A recent example took place in a recent tournament recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough call for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and determined Draper was guilty of interference, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system implemented at all of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the audio calls from the ELC system.
This solves situations where spectators have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
In other news, with exactly a century of days to go until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have also announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
