Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in employing video review systems.
Video review systems will be launched at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Athletes will gain the ability to challenge specific calls from the chair umpire, mirroring the protocol currently in use at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be operational on the main stadium and Court One throughout the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move arrives only a season following the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the official to review other decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident occurred in a recent tournament last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a difficult call for the official, but believed his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire watched a replay and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit will have the system implemented at all of its events.
Other Changes
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where fans have sometimes been unsure if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
