Wimbledon Adopts Video Replay System for the First Time.
The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Video review systems are set to arrive at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Athletes will gain the ability to challenge particular rulings made by the official, mirroring the practice currently in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This innovation is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move arrives only a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to review specific situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a player can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative incident took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. It was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour will have the system in place at all of its events.
Further Updates
A further change at The Championships this year will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have sometimes been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
