Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in employing replay systems.
Video review systems are set to arrive at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Players will gain the option to question particular rulings from the chair umpire, following the practice already in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This innovation will be accessible on the main stadium and Court One throughout the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are staging singles matches.
This step follows just a season following the AELTC implemented ELC, which effectively ended the 147-year tradition of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to challenge the call of the ELC system, but they can request the umpire to re-examine other decisions, such as:
- If a ball has double-bounced.
- If a ball touched an rival's racket or body during play.
- Possible hindrance end of a rally.
Importantly, there is no limit on the amount of challenges a competitor can initiate.
Practical Application
An illustrative example took place in Indian Wells last week, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a tough situation for the official, but thought his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire watched a replay and ruled the player was guilty of interference, awarding the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't exclusive to major tournaments. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews in place at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
A further change at Wimbledon this year involves the addition of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This addresses instances where fans have occasionally been unsure whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
