Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in implementing video review technology.
Video review systems will make its debut at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Players are granted the right to contest certain decisions made by the official, echoing the protocol already in place at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This move arrives only a year after the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but they can request the official to review other decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Notably, there is no limit on the amount of challenges a player can ask for.
Practical Application
An illustrative example took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire watched a replay and determined the player was responsible for interference, awarding the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. The system was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit will have the system in place at all of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another change at Wimbledon 2025 involves the introduction of graphical cues on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where fans have sometimes been unsure if a ball was in or out.
Finally, with precisely a century of days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
