Wimbledon Embraces Video Challenge System for the First Time.
The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Replay technology will be launched at The Championships this year.
Athletes are granted the right to challenge specific calls made by the official, following the system already in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This move arrives only a season following the AELTC rolled out ELC, which brought an end to the longstanding role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the umpire to review other decisions, including:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body during play.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is an unlimited number on the number of reviews a competitor can ask for.
A Recent Example
A recent case occurred in a recent tournament last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a difficult call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the point to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not exclusive to major tournaments. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews implemented at all of its events.
Further Updates
Another innovation at The Championships 2025 involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves instances where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain whether a shot was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
