Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Video review systems will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Athletes are granted the right to contest specific calls made by the chair umpire, mirroring the protocol already in operation at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development arrives only a year after the All England Club implemented ELC, which brought an end to the longstanding role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
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 tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible interference end of a point.
Notably, there is no cap on the amount of challenges a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative incident took place in Indian Wells recently, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player admitted it was a tough situation for the official, but believed his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a video and determined the player was guilty of hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. It was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further change at The Championships 2025 involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves situations where spectators have sometimes been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with precisely a century of days remaining until the start of the Championships, organizers have also revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
