Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Video review systems will make its debut at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Athletes will gain the ability to challenge certain rulings from the chair umpire, mirroring the system currently in operation at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology will be operational on the main stadium and Court One throughout the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move follows just a season following the All England Club rolled out electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can ask for the umpire to review specific decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball touched an rival's racket or person during play.
- Possible interference end of a point.
Notably, there is no cap on the number of reviews a player can initiate.
A Recent Example
A recent example occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a tough call for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a video and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology aren't exclusive to major tournaments. The system was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have the system in place at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain whether a ball was in or out.
In other news, with precisely a century of days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
