Wimbledon Adopts Video Replay System for the First Time.
The tournament joins the American and Australian Opens in employing video review technology.
Replay systems will make its debut at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Athletes are granted the option to challenge particular rulings made by the official, following the practice already in use at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One throughout the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This step follows just a year after the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which terminated the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the umpire to review other situations, such as:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of challenges a player can initiate.
A Recent Example
An illustrative case took place in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but believed his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined Draper was responsible for hindrance, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not exclusive to major tournaments. The system has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have the system in place at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further change at Wimbledon 2025 involves the addition of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
