Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in employing video review systems.
Replay systems will be launched at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors will gain the right to challenge specific decisions from the chair umpire, echoing the protocol already in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This development arrives only a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to review specific decisions, such as:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent incident occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a video and determined Draper was responsible for hindrance, granting the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. It has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews in place at all of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another change at Wimbledon 2025 involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where spectators have sometimes been uncertain whether a shot was in or out.
In other news, with precisely a century of days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
