Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in implementing video review technology.
Replay technology will make its debut at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Players will gain the right to question certain decisions from the chair umpire, mirroring the protocol already in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development arrives only a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which effectively ended the 147-year tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to dispute the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine specific situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the amount of challenges a player can request.
Practical Application
An illustrative case took place in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough call for the official, but believed his rival had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and ruled the player was guilty of interference, awarding the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the ELC system.
This solves instances where fans have occasionally been unsure if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have also announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
