Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review technology.
Video review systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes are granted the option to challenge specific rulings made by the official, following the system already in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step comes just a year after the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding role of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of challenges a player can ask for.
Practical Application
An illustrative case occurred in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his rival had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and determined Draper was guilty of interference, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not exclusive to Grand Slams. It was adopted at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have the system in place at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another innovation at Wimbledon 2025 will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have sometimes been unsure if a ball was in or out.
In other news, with precisely a century of days to go until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
