Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing video review technology.
Video review technology will make its debut at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors will gain the option to contest specific calls from the official, mirroring the protocol currently in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system is slated for use on Centre Court and Court One throughout the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move comes just a year after the AELTC implemented ELC, which brought an end to the 147-year tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the number of challenges a player can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative incident took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a difficult call for the official, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled Draper was responsible for hindrance, granting the point to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. It was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system implemented at all of its events.
Further Updates
A further change at The Championships 2025 will be the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves situations where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain whether a shot was in or out.
In other news, with exactly 100 days to go until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have also announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
