Wimbledon Adopts Video Replay Technology This Season.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Video review technology will make its debut at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Competitors are granted the option to question certain rulings from the official, mirroring the practice already in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
The new system will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move arrives only a year after the All England Club implemented ELC, which brought an end to the longstanding role of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to dispute the call of the ELC system, but they can ask for the umpire to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a rally.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative case took place in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a tough situation for the official, but thought his rival had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and determined the player was guilty of interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. It has been in use at the US Open 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 video reviews in place at all of its events.
Further Updates
Another change at The Championships this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where spectators have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
