Wimbledon Embraces Video Replay System for the First Time.
The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Video review technology will make its debut at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Athletes are granted the ability to contest particular decisions made by the chair umpire, mirroring the system currently in operation at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move follows just a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can ask for the official to review other situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the number of reviews a competitor can ask for.
A Recent Example
An illustrative example occurred in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and ruled Draper was guilty of hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't new for major tournaments. The system was adopted at the American major since 2023 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 will have video reviews in place at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another change at Wimbledon 2025 involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where fans have sometimes been uncertain if a ball was in or out.
In other news, with precisely a century of days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also revealed an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.