Wimbledon Embraces Video Replay Technology for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing replay technology.
Video review systems will make its debut at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Athletes will gain the ability to question certain calls made by the chair umpire, following the practice already in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
The new system is slated for use on Centre Court and Court One for the duration of the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This move comes just a season following the AELTC rolled out ELC, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to challenge the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to re-examine other situations, such as:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot touched an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is no limit on the amount of challenges a player can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative case occurred in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a difficult situation for the official, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't exclusive to major tournaments. It has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Australian 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 implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
A further change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where fans have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with precisely a century of days to go until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.