Wimbledon Embraces Video Replay Technology in 2025.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in employing replay systems.
Video review technology are set to arrive at The Championships this year.
Players are granted the right to question certain rulings made by the chair umpire, following the system currently in place at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move comes just a season following the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which terminated the centuries-old role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can ask for the official to re-examine specific situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can ask for.
A Recent Example
A recent incident occurred in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a tough call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire viewed a video and ruled the player was responsible for interference, awarding the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology are not new for major tournaments. It was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further change at Wimbledon 2025 will be the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves instances where spectators have occasionally been unsure whether a ball was in or out.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
