Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Video review systems are set to arrive at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Athletes are granted the ability to contest particular rulings from the chair umpire, mirroring the protocol already in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One throughout the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move follows just a season following the All England Club rolled out ELC, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can request the umpire to re-examine other situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there will be no limit on the number of challenges a player can request.
Practical Application
A recent example took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a tough situation for the official, but believed his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire watched a replay and ruled the player was guilty of interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't new for major tournaments. It has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have the system in place at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further change at The Championships 2025 will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where fans have sometimes been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
