Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing replay technology.
Video review technology will make its debut at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Competitors are granted the ability to challenge particular rulings made by the chair umpire, following the system already in place at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One throughout the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move arrives only a year after the All England Club rolled out ELC, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to review other decisions, including:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is no limit on the number of challenges a player can request.
Case in Point
A recent example took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a difficult call for the umpire, but believed his rival had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and determined the player was guilty of interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. The system 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 the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another change at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves situations where spectators have occasionally been unsure if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further revealed an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
