Wimbledon Introduces Video Review Technology for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Video review systems will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes will gain the option to challenge certain rulings made by the official, mirroring the system currently in use at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This move follows just a year after the AELTC implemented ELC, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can request the official to re-examine other decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Potential interference end of a point.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the number of reviews a player can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent incident occurred in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire viewed a video and determined the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews implemented at all of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further change at The Championships 2025 involves the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This solves instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly a century of days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have also announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
