Wimbledon Adopts Video Replay System This Season.
The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Replay systems will make its debut at The Championships this year.
Athletes are granted the right to challenge particular decisions made by the official, echoing the protocol currently in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move follows just a year after the AELTC implemented ELC, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can request the official to re-examine specific situations, such as:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the number of challenges a competitor can initiate.
A Recent Example
A recent example took place in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a difficult call for the official, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a replay and ruled the player was responsible for interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. It has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Other Changes
Another change at Wimbledon 2025 will be the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have sometimes been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely a century of days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.