Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes will gain the option to contest specific calls made by the chair umpire, mirroring the protocol already in place at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step follows just a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which terminated the longstanding tradition of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to challenge the call of the electronic line calling, but they can request the umpire to re-examine specific situations, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there is no cap on the number of challenges a competitor can ask for.
A Recent Example
A recent case occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a tough call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire viewed a video and determined the player was guilty of interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not exclusive to Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system implemented at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further change at Wimbledon 2025 involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves instances where spectators have sometimes been unsure whether a shot was in or out.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
