Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in implementing replay technology.
Video review technology will be launched at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Players are granted the option to contest certain calls from the official, echoing the practice already in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move comes just a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but they can ask for the umpire to review specific decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the number of challenges a player can ask for.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident occurred in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a difficult situation for the official, but believed his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire watched a video and determined the player was guilty of hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology aren't exclusive to major tournaments. It has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews implemented at all of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further change at The Championships 2025 involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where fans have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
In other news, with exactly 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
