Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in implementing video review technology.
Replay technology will be launched at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Competitors will gain the right to contest specific decisions from the official, following the practice already in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
The new system is slated for use on Centre Court and Court One for the duration of the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This step follows just a year after the AELTC implemented ELC, which effectively ended the longstanding role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is no limit on the number of reviews a player can request.
Case in Point
A recent case took place in a recent tournament recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a difficult call for the official, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and ruled the player was guilty of interference, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have the system in place at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where the crowd have sometimes been unsure if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the tournament, organizers have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
