Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing replay systems.
Replay technology will make its debut at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Athletes are granted the option to question specific decisions made by the official, mirroring the protocol already in use at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step arrives only a season following the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the official to re-examine specific situations, including:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Notably, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a player can request.
Case in Point
A recent incident occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a tough call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire watched a video and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not new for Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, 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 tournaments.
Other Changes
A further innovation at The Championships this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have occasionally been unsure if a shot was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have also revealed an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
