Wimbledon Introduces Video Replay System This Season.
The tournament joins the US and Australian Opens in employing video review technology.
Replay technology will make its debut at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes will gain the option to contest specific rulings from the official, following the system already in use at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step arrives only a season following the All England Club rolled out ELC, which effectively ended the longstanding role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to challenge the call of the ELC system, but they can ask for the official to review other situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the amount of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
A recent incident occurred in a recent tournament recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough situation for the official, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have video reviews implemented at every one of its events.
Other Changes
A further change at Wimbledon 2025 involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where spectators have sometimes been uncertain whether a shot was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
