Wimbledon Adopts Video Replay Technology This Season.
Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Video review technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon this year.
Athletes will gain the right to contest specific rulings made by the chair umpire, mirroring the system already in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation is slated for use on the main stadium and Court One throughout the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move follows just a year after the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to review specific situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Potential hindrance end of a rally.
Notably, there will be an unlimited number on the number of challenges a player can request.
Case in Point
A recent example took place in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a tough call for the official, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and determined the player was guilty of interference, awarding the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian 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 the system implemented at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further change at Wimbledon 2025 will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where the crowd have sometimes been unsure if a ball was in or out.
Finally, with exactly a century of days remaining until the start of the Championships, organizers have also announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
