Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Video review systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Players will gain the option to challenge specific rulings made by the official, mirroring the protocol already in operation at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This move arrives only a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to review other situations, including:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there is no cap on the number of challenges a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative example occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not exclusive to Grand Slams. It was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system implemented at every one of its events.
Further Updates
Another change at The Championships this year will be the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where spectators have sometimes been uncertain whether a shot was in or out.
In other news, with exactly a century of days remaining until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have also revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
