Wimbledon Adopts Video Review Technology for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in utilizing video review technology.
Video review systems are set to arrive at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Competitors will gain the option to contest specific decisions from the official, echoing the protocol already in place at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This step comes just a season following the AELTC rolled out ELC, which terminated the longstanding tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but they can request the umpire to review specific situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the number of challenges a player can request.
A Recent Example
An illustrative incident occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and determined Draper was guilty of hindrance, granting the point to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not new for major tournaments. It was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit will have the system in place at all of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another change at The Championships 2025 involves the addition of visual indicators on displays to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where spectators have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was in or out.
Finally, with precisely a century of days remaining until the start of the tournament, the AELTC have also revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
