Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in employing video review systems.
Video review technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Players are granted the ability to question specific rulings made by the chair umpire, following the practice already in place at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move comes just a season following the All England Club introduced electronic line calling, which terminated the longstanding role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the official to review other situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a rally.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of challenges a player can request.
Practical Application
An illustrative incident occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a difficult call for the official, but believed his rival had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and determined the player was responsible for interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit will have video reviews in place at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another change at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the ELC system.
This solves instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
