Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in implementing video review technology.
Replay technology will make its debut at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Competitors will gain the option to contest specific calls made by the chair umpire, following the protocol currently in use at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
The new system will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining show courts when they are staging singles contests.
This development comes just a season following the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which terminated the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors cannot to dispute the call of the ELC system, but they can request the umpire to review specific situations, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot touched an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there is no limit on the number of challenges a player can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the video challenge 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 watched a video and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, awarding the rally to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not exclusive to major tournaments. The system was adopted at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have the system in place at every one of its tournaments.
Further Updates
Another change at The Championships this year will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where the crowd have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with exactly a century of days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
