Wimbledon Adopts Video Replay System for the First Time.
The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in implementing replay technology.
Replay technology are set to arrive at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Players will gain the right to challenge certain decisions made by the chair umpire, echoing the practice already in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This technology will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One throughout the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step follows just a year after the AELTC rolled out ELC, which terminated the longstanding role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to challenge the call of the electronic line calling, but they can request the official to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- If a shot made contact with an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can request.
A Recent Example
An illustrative example took place in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the review system against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a tough call for the umpire, but thought his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a replay and determined Draper was guilty of interference, granting the rally to Medvedev.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews are not exclusive to Grand Slams. It 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 next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another change at The Championships this year involves the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where the crowd have occasionally been unsure if a shot was in or out.
In other news, with precisely a century of days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have also announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
