Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review systems will be launched at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Competitors will gain the option to challenge specific decisions made by the chair umpire, echoing the protocol currently in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
The new system will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step follows just a season following the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to dispute the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the umpire to review specific decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the number of reviews a player can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a tough situation for the official, but believed his rival had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
This technology are not new for major tournaments. It has been in use 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 next season the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews in place at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another change at The Championships 2025 involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have sometimes been uncertain if a ball was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
