Wimbledon Adopts Video Replay Technology This Season.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in employing replay technology.
Replay systems will make its debut at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes will gain the option to question particular calls made by the chair umpire, mirroring the practice already in operation at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be operational on the main stadium and Court One throughout the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step arrives only a season following the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can request the official to re-examine other situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Practical Application
A recent incident took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the official, but believed his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and ruled Draper was responsible for hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't new for Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another change at The Championships 2025 involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where fans have occasionally been uncertain if a ball was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
