Wimbledon Introduces Video Challenge Technology This Season.
The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review technology.
Video review technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Players will gain the ability to challenge specific decisions made by the chair umpire, echoing the system already in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One throughout the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move comes just a year after the All England Club introduced ELC, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the umpire to review other decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a point.
Notably, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can request.
Case in Point
An illustrative case occurred in a recent tournament recently, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a tough situation for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire watched a replay and ruled Draper was responsible for hindrance, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not exclusive to Grand Slams. It was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have the system implemented at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at Wimbledon 2025 involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the tournament, organizers have also announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
