Wimbledon Introduces Video Replay System This Season.
The tournament joins the US and Australian Opens in employing replay systems.
Video review systems will be launched at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Competitors are granted the right to challenge specific decisions from the official, echoing the practice already in operation at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This step comes just a season following the All England Club implemented ELC, which effectively ended the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential hindrance end of a point.
Importantly, there is no cap on the amount of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough call for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire watched a replay and determined Draper was responsible for interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't exclusive to major tournaments. It was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system in place at all of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another change at The Championships this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves situations where spectators have occasionally been unsure if a ball was in or out.
In other news, with exactly 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
