Wimbledon Introduces Video Review System in 2025.
The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Replay technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors are granted the right to question certain decisions from the chair umpire, following the protocol already in operation at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be operational on the main stadium 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 AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the official to review specific decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a point.
Importantly, there is no cap on the amount of reviews a competitor can ask for.
A Recent Example
An illustrative incident occurred in a recent tournament recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire watched a replay and determined Draper was guilty of hindrance, granting the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology are not new for major tournaments. It was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have the system implemented at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another change at The Championships 2025 involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where fans have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with exactly a century of days remaining until the start of the Championships, organizers have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
