Wimbledon Embraces Video Challenge Technology This Season.
Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in utilizing video review systems.
Video review technology are set to arrive at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Players will gain the option to contest certain decisions from the chair umpire, echoing the system currently in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move comes just a year after the AELTC implemented ELC, which brought an end to the 147-year role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but they can ask for the official to re-examine other decisions, including:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a rally.
Notably, there is no cap on the number of reviews a player can initiate.
A Recent Example
A recent incident occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the review system against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a difficult situation for the official, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte watched a video and ruled the player was guilty of interference, granting the point to Medvedev.
Broader Adoption
This technology are not exclusive to major tournaments. It has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews in place at every one of its tournaments.
Other Changes
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the addition of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where spectators have sometimes been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
In other news, with exactly 100 days remaining until the start of the Championships, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
