Wimbledon Introduces Video Challenge Technology in 2025.
The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Video review technology will be launched at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors will gain the ability to challenge specific decisions from the chair umpire, following the practice currently in operation at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system is slated for use on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move arrives only a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the longstanding tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the umpire to review other situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball made contact with an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Possible interference end of a rally.
Notably, there will be no limit on the amount of challenges a player can request.
Practical Application
An illustrative example took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the review system against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough call for the official, but thought his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and determined Draper was responsible for hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not new for major tournaments. The system has been in use at the US Open 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 video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Further Updates
Another change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where spectators have sometimes been uncertain if a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly 100 days remaining until the start of the tournament, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
