Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in implementing replay systems.
Replay systems are set to arrive at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Competitors will gain the option to question particular calls made by the chair umpire, following the practice currently in use at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This move follows just a year after the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the official to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no cap on the amount of challenges a player can request.
Case in Point
An illustrative case occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire viewed a video and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not new for major tournaments. It has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another change at The Championships 2025 will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where spectators have occasionally been unsure if a shot was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
