Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in employing replay systems.
Video review technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes will gain the right to challenge specific rulings from the chair umpire, echoing the practice already in use at both the US Open 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 remaining featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This development arrives only a season following the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding role of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the umpire to review specific situations, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
A recent case occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a tough call for the official, but believed his rival had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and determined Draper was responsible for interference, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. It has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit will have the system in place at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another innovation at The Championships 2025 will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where spectators have occasionally been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely a century of days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
