Wimbledon Introduces Video Replay System This Season.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Replay technology will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes are granted the right to question specific calls from the chair umpire, mirroring the practice already in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be accessible on the main stadium and Court One throughout the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This development follows just a year after the AELTC rolled out ELC, which terminated the 147-year role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but they can ask for the official to review other situations, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Potential hindrance end of a rally.
Notably, there will be no limit on the number of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative case took place in a recent tournament recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but believed his rival had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire viewed a video and ruled Draper was guilty of hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. It was adopted at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Other Changes
A further change at Wimbledon 2025 will be the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves instances where fans have sometimes been uncertain whether a ball was in or out.
Finally, with precisely a century of days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.