Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in utilizing replay systems.
Replay technology will be launched at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Competitors are granted the right to challenge specific decisions from the chair umpire, following the protocol already in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This innovation is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step arrives only a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors cannot to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball 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 challenges a player can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative incident occurred in a recent tournament last week, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted 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 Draper was guilty of interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews are not exclusive to Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have the system in place at all of its events.
Other Changes
Another innovation at Wimbledon 2025 will be the introduction of graphical cues on displays to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where spectators have occasionally been unsure if a ball was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, organizers have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
