Wimbledon Introduces Video Review Technology in 2025.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Video review systems are set to arrive at The Championships this year.
Competitors will gain the right to question specific decisions made by the chair umpire, echoing the practice currently in operation at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system will be operational on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move follows just a year after the AELTC implemented ELC, which brought an end to the longstanding role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the umpire to review other decisions, including:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the amount of reviews a competitor can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident occurred in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a difficult situation for the official, but believed his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire viewed a video and determined Draper was guilty of interference, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not exclusive to major tournaments. It has been in use at the US Open for two years 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 implemented at every one of its events.
Other Changes
Another innovation at The Championships 2025 will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This solves situations where fans have sometimes been uncertain whether a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly a century of days to go until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
