Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in employing replay systems.
Replay systems are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors are granted the option to contest certain rulings made by the chair umpire, following the protocol already in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be operational on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development follows just a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to ask for the official to review other decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball touched an rival's racket or person during play.
- Potential hindrance end of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the number of reviews a competitor can ask for.
Practical Application
An illustrative case occurred in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but believed his rival had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and determined Draper was guilty of hindrance, granting the point to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. The system has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its events.
Further Updates
Another innovation at The Championships 2025 will be the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where fans have occasionally been uncertain if a ball was in or out.
In other news, with exactly 100 days to go until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
