Wimbledon Introduces Video Replay Technology for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in implementing replay systems.
Video review systems will make its debut at The Championships this year.
Athletes will gain the ability to contest specific calls made by the chair umpire, following the protocol currently in place at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
This technology will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This development arrives only a year after the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which effectively ended the 147-year role of line officials.
Scope of Challenges
Players cannot to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but are allowed to ask for the umpire to re-examine specific situations, including:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- If a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential interference end of a rally.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a competitor can request.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a replay and ruled the player was guilty of hindrance, granting the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not exclusive to major tournaments. The system was adopted at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open since 2025.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the men's ATP Tour plans to have the system in place at all of its tournaments.
Further Updates
A further change at The Championships 2025 involves the addition of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the audio calls from the ELC system.
This solves instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have also announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
