Wimbledon Adopts Video Replay Technology for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in employing replay technology.
Video review systems are set to arrive at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Players are granted the ability to challenge particular decisions made by the official, echoing the system already in use at both the US Open and the Australian Open.
The new system will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles contests.
This move arrives only a season following the All England Club introduced electronic line calling, which terminated the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the call of the ELC system, but they can ask for the umpire to re-examine other situations, such as:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a shot made contact with an rival's racket or person during play.
- Possible interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there is no cap on the amount of challenges a player can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent example occurred in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a tough situation for the official, but thought his rival had "used the regulations quite well."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a replay and determined the player was guilty of interference, granting the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. It was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is becoming more common on the women’s WTA Tour, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have the system in place at every one of its events.
Further Updates
A further change at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses situations where spectators have sometimes been unsure whether a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, the AELTC have further revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.