Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Replay technology are set to arrive at The Championships this year.
Competitors are granted the option to challenge certain rulings made by the official, mirroring the system currently in place at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be accessible on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move comes just a season following the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the longstanding role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to request the official to re-examine specific situations, including:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or person during play.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Notably, there will be no cap on the number of challenges a player can ask for.
Practical Application
An illustrative example took place in a recent tournament recently, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the official, but believed his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire watched a video and ruled the player was responsible for interference, awarding the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not exclusive to major tournaments. The system was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Aussie Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
A further change at The Championships 2025 involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where fans have occasionally been uncertain whether 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 increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
