Wimbledon Introduces Video Replay Technology for the First Time.
The tournament joins the American and Australian Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Video review technology will make its debut at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Competitors will gain the option to challenge specific calls from the chair umpire, following the protocol currently in use at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This move follows just a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which effectively ended the longstanding tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players cannot to challenge the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the official to review other decisions, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the number of reviews a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative case took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a difficult situation for the official, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, granting the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have the system implemented at all of its events.
Further Updates
A further change at Wimbledon 2025 will be the introduction of graphical cues on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have sometimes been unsure if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly a century of days to go until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
