Wimbledon Embraces Video Review Technology for the First Time.
The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review technology will be launched at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Players are granted the right to question specific calls made by the official, following the protocol already in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This innovation will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This move follows just a season following the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can ask for the official to re-examine other situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the amount of challenges a competitor can request.
Case in Point
A recent case occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and determined Draper was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not exclusive to Grand Slams. It has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Other Changes
A further innovation at Wimbledon 2025 will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have sometimes been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have also announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
