Wimbledon Adopts Video Challenge System for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing replay systems.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors are granted the ability to contest specific calls made by the official, mirroring the protocol already in place at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step comes just a season following the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Possible interference end of a point.
Notably, there is no limit on the amount of challenges a player can initiate.
A Recent Example
A recent incident took place in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the official, but thought his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled Draper was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not exclusive to Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another innovation at Wimbledon 2025 will be the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been unsure if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
