Wimbledon Introduces Video Review System in 2025.
The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in employing video review technology.
Replay systems are set to arrive at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Players are granted the right to contest specific calls from the official, following the protocol currently in place at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
The new system will be operational on the main stadium and Court One throughout the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move follows just a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding tradition of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the official to re-examine other decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Notably, there will be an unlimited number on the number of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent example took place in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and determined the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. It was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system in place at all of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further innovation at The Championships this year will be the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where the crowd have sometimes been unsure whether a shot was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have also revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
