Wimbledon Introduces Video Replay System for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in employing replay systems.
Video review technology will be launched at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Players will gain the right to challenge specific rulings from the chair umpire, mirroring the protocol already in operation at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
The new system will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One throughout the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are staging singles contests.
This step comes just a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line officials.
Reviewable Decisions
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the ELC system, but are allowed to request the official to re-examine specific decisions, such as:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball made contact with an rival's racket or person on the way past.
- Possible hindrance end of a point.
Importantly, there is no cap on the amount of challenges a competitor can request.
Practical Application
An illustrative example occurred in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough situation for the official, but thought his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined the player was guilty of interference, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Growing Trend
This technology are not new for major tournaments. The system was adopted at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open since 2025.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system implemented at every one of its events.
Other Changes
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days to go until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have also announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
