Wimbledon Embraces Video Challenge System for the First Time.
The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in employing video review technology.
Video review systems are set to arrive at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Competitors are granted the option to challenge particular decisions from the chair umpire, mirroring the protocol already in use at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development follows just a season following the All England Club rolled out ELC, which effectively ended the centuries-old role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but they can request the official to review other decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot touched an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the number of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative incident occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a difficult call for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire watched a video and ruled the player was responsible for hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. It was adopted at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews implemented at all of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further innovation at The Championships 2025 will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been unsure if a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days to go until the start of the tournament, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
