Wimbledon Introduces Video Review System for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in implementing replay technology.
Video review technology will be launched at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Players will gain the option to question specific decisions from the official, echoing the practice already in operation at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are staging singles matches.
This step follows just a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the centuries-old tradition of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to dispute the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there is no limit on the number of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative case occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper conceded it was a difficult call for the official, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and ruled Draper was guilty of hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't exclusive to major tournaments. It was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have video reviews implemented at every one of its events.
Other Changes
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves situations where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain whether a shot was out or in.
Finally, with precisely a century of days to go until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
