Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Video review technology will make its debut at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Players are granted the option to challenge specific calls made by the official, echoing the system currently in operation at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move follows just a year after the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year tradition of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the umpire to review specific situations, such as:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the amount of reviews a player can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative example occurred in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but believed his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a video and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. It was adopted at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews in place at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further change at The Championships 2025 involves the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have sometimes been unsure if a shot was in or out.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
