Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing video review technology.
Replay technology will make its debut at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Competitors are granted the ability to challenge particular decisions made by the chair umpire, echoing the protocol currently in use at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are staging singles contests.
This move follows just a season following the AELTC rolled out electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can request the umpire to review other decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Notably, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a difficult situation for the official, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined Draper was guilty of interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. It was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common 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 events.
Other Changes
A further innovation at Wimbledon this year involves the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where fans have sometimes been unsure whether a ball was in or out.
In other news, with exactly a century of days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, the AELTC have further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
