Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in employing replay systems.
Video review technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Athletes will gain the option to challenge particular rulings from the chair umpire, following the protocol already in use at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be accessible 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 contests.
This step arrives only a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the official to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot touched an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a competitor can request.
Case in Point
A recent incident took place in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a difficult call for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
The umpire watched a video and ruled the player was responsible for hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. The system has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have video reviews implemented at every one of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at The Championships this year will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
