Wimbledon Introduces Video Review System in 2025.
The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in employing replay systems.
Video review technology will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Competitors will gain the right to challenge certain decisions from the official, mirroring the protocol already in place at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This step arrives only a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which terminated the longstanding role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to challenge the call of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to review other situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is no limit on the amount of reviews a competitor can request.
Case in Point
An illustrative case occurred in a recent tournament last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a difficult situation for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and ruled the player was guilty of interference, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't exclusive to major tournaments. The system has been in use at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where fans have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have also revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.