Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay systems.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Competitors are granted the ability to challenge certain rulings from the official, mirroring the system already in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
The new system will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step arrives only a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can request the official to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is no cap on the amount of reviews a player can ask for.
Practical Application
A recent case occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire viewed a video and ruled Draper was guilty of interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't new for major tournaments. The system has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews implemented at all of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another change at The Championships this year will be the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have also revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
