Wimbledon Introduces Video Challenge System in 2025.
The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in employing replay technology.
Replay technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Athletes will gain the option to challenge certain decisions made by the official, following the system currently in use at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step follows just a season following the AELTC introduced ELC, which effectively ended the longstanding role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to review specific situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a player can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology aren't exclusive to major tournaments. It has been in use at the American major 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 video reviews in place at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further change at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where fans have occasionally been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.