Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in implementing video review technology.
Video review systems are set to arrive at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Competitors are granted the ability to challenge specific decisions made by the official, following the system currently in operation at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles contests.
This development follows just a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can ask for the umpire to review specific decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the amount of challenges 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 Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and determined the player was guilty of hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have the system implemented at all of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
A further innovation at The Championships 2025 will be the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain if a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
