Wimbledon Embraces Video Replay Technology This Season.
The tournament joins the US and Australian Opens in utilizing replay systems.
Video review technology are set to arrive at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Competitors will gain the ability to challenge particular calls from the chair umpire, echoing the protocol currently in place at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology will be operational on the main stadium and Court One throughout the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step comes just a season following the All England Club implemented ELC, which terminated the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the official to re-examine other situations, such as:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the number of challenges a competitor can initiate.
A Recent Example
An illustrative incident took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a video and determined the player was guilty of interference, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't new for major tournaments. The system was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have the system in place at every one of its events.
Further Updates
Another change at The Championships 2025 involves the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where fans have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
