Wimbledon Embraces Video Challenge System This Season.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review systems will be launched at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Athletes will gain the option to challenge certain decisions made by the chair umpire, echoing the protocol currently in place at each of the US Open and the Aussie major.
The new system will be operational on the main stadium and Court One for the duration of the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This development comes just a year after the AELTC introduced ELC, which brought an end to the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but they can ask for the umpire to review other situations, including:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of challenges a player can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a tough call for the umpire, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined Draper was responsible for interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
This technology are not exclusive to Grand Slams. It was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit will have the system implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another innovation at The Championships this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on displays to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances 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 further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
