Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Video review systems are set to arrive at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Athletes will gain the right to contest specific decisions from the chair umpire, following the protocol already in operation at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move arrives only a year after the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which effectively ended the longstanding role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the call of the ELC system, but they can request the umpire to review other situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a point.
Importantly, there is no limit on the amount of challenges a player can request.
Practical Application
A recent example took place in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire viewed a video and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system implemented at all of its events.
Other Changes
Another innovation at The Championships 2025 will be the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain whether a shot was out or in.
In other news, with precisely a century of days to go until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
