Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Video review systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors are granted the ability to challenge certain rulings made by the official, mirroring the protocol already in operation at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step follows just a year after the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can request the official to review other situations, such as:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there will be no limit on the amount of reviews a player can request.
Practical Application
A recent case took place in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and determined the player was responsible for interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't new for major tournaments. The system has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further innovation at Wimbledon 2025 involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where spectators have sometimes been unsure if a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely a century of days remaining until the start of the Championships, organizers have also announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
