Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Replay technology will make its debut at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Players are granted the option to challenge certain calls from the chair umpire, echoing the system currently in place at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining 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 longstanding role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine other situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there is no limit on the number of reviews a player can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident took place in Indian Wells last week, where a top player used the video challenge 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 viewed a replay and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not exclusive to Grand Slams. It has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews in place at all of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further innovation at The Championships 2025 will be the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where fans have occasionally been unsure whether a shot was out or in.
Finally, with precisely a century of days remaining until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
