Wimbledon Introduces Video Review System This Season.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing replay technology.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Competitors are granted the option to contest specific calls made by the official, echoing the system currently in use at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step comes just a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to challenge the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the official to review specific situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is no cap on the number of challenges a player can initiate.
A Recent Example
An illustrative incident took place in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't new for Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its events.
Further Updates
A further change at The Championships this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where fans have occasionally been uncertain whether a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly a century of days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
