Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in employing video review systems.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors will gain the right to challenge particular decisions from the official, following the system already in operation at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles contests.
This move follows just a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which effectively ended the longstanding role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but they can request the umpire to re-examine other situations, including:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is no limit on the amount of challenges a competitor can initiate.
A Recent Example
A recent incident occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined Draper was responsible for interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. It has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further innovation at Wimbledon 2025 will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves situations where fans have occasionally been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with exactly a century of days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
