Wimbledon Embraces Video Review System in 2025.
The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in employing replay systems.
Replay technology will be launched at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Competitors will gain the ability to contest certain calls from the official, following the practice already in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move follows just a year after the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which terminated the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to challenge the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the official to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible hindrance end of a rally.
Notably, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
A recent case took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit will have the system implemented at all of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further change at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain whether a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have further revealed an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
