Wimbledon Introduces Video Review System for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Replay technology will make its debut at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Competitors will gain the right to challenge particular rulings from the official, echoing the protocol already in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step comes just a season following the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which effectively ended the longstanding role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players will not be permitted to dispute the call of the ELC system, but they can ask for the official to review specific situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or person during play.
- Potential hindrance end of a rally.
Notably, there is no limit on the amount of challenges a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative case occurred in a recent tournament recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a tough call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, granting the point to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
This technology are not exclusive to Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open since 2025.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have the system in place at all of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
A further change at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the tournament, organizers have also announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
