Wimbledon Introduces Video Review System in 2025.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing replay technology.
Video review systems will make its debut at The Championships this year.
Athletes are granted the option to question certain decisions made by the chair umpire, following the practice currently in use 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 other four featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This development comes just a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the umpire to re-examine other situations, including:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there will be no cap on the amount of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Practical Application
A recent incident occurred in a recent tournament recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a difficult situation for the official, but believed his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled Draper was guilty of hindrance, granting the point to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews are not new for Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Other Changes
Another change at Wimbledon 2025 will be the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This solves situations where fans have occasionally been uncertain whether a shot was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days remaining until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
