Wimbledon Embraces Video Review System for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in employing video review technology.
Video review systems will be launched at The Championships in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors will gain the ability to question certain calls from the chair umpire, following the practice currently in operation at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
The new system 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 move comes just a year after the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which effectively ended the longstanding role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the call of the ELC system, but they can ask for the umpire to re-examine other decisions, including:
- If a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot touched an rival's racket or person during play.
- Potential interference end of a point.
Notably, there will be no limit on the number of reviews a competitor can request.
Case in Point
An illustrative example occurred in a recent tournament last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the review system against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a difficult situation for the official, but thought his rival had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire viewed a video and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system implemented at every one of its events.
Other Changes
Another change at Wimbledon 2025 will be the introduction of graphical cues on displays to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where spectators have sometimes been uncertain if a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely a century of days remaining until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have also revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
