Wimbledon Adopts Video Challenge System in 2025.
The tournament joins the American and Australian Opens in implementing replay technology.
Replay systems are set to arrive at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes are granted the right to challenge certain rulings made by the chair umpire, following the system currently in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
The new system will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step comes just a season following the AELTC rolled out ELC, which terminated the 147-year role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to review other decisions, such as:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the number of reviews a player can initiate.
Case in Point
A recent incident occurred in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a difficult call for the umpire, but believed his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled Draper was guilty of hindrance, granting the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not exclusive to major tournaments. The system was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common 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 events.
Further Updates
A further innovation at The Championships 2025 involves the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where spectators have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
Finally, with precisely a century of days remaining until the start of the tournament, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
