Wimbledon Embraces Video Challenge Technology for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in employing replay technology.
Video review systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes will gain the option to contest particular calls made by the official, mirroring the system already in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
The new system will be operational on Centre Court and Court One throughout the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move comes just a season following the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which terminated the 147-year role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players 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:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there is no cap on the number of challenges a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
A recent example occurred in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the official, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire watched a video and ruled Draper was responsible for hindrance, granting the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have the system in place at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another change at Wimbledon 2025 involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where fans have sometimes been uncertain whether a shot was in or out.
In other news, with exactly 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have also announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
