Wimbledon Adopts Video Replay System for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Video review systems will be launched at The Championships this year.
Players will gain the right to challenge certain rulings from the official, following the system currently in operation at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system will be accessible on the main stadium and Court One throughout the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development comes just a season following the AELTC introduced ELC, which terminated the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Players cannot to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or person during play.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of reviews a competitor can request.
Practical Application
An illustrative case took place in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire viewed a replay and ruled the player was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews aren't new for major tournaments. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open since 2025.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another change at The Championships 2025 involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where spectators have sometimes been uncertain whether a ball was in or out.
Finally, with exactly 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have also announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.