The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in employing video review systems.
Replay technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Athletes are granted the right to contest certain rulings made by the official, following the protocol already in use at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This innovation will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development follows just a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the umpire to review other decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there will be an unlimited number on the number of challenges a competitor can request.
Practical Application
An illustrative case took place in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a difficult situation for the official, but thought his rival had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not exclusive to major tournaments. It was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another change at Wimbledon 2025 will be the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where fans have sometimes been unsure if a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
