Wimbledon will follow the American and Aussie Opens in implementing video review technology.
Video review technology are set to arrive at Wimbledon this year.
Competitors will gain the right to contest certain rulings made by the chair umpire, echoing the system already in operation at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This technology will be accessible on the main stadium and Court One throughout the Championships and on the remaining show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step comes just a year after the All England Club introduced ELC, which terminated the 147-year role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Players will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the official to review specific decisions, such as:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an opponent's racquet or body during play.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be no limit on the number of challenges a player can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative example took place in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the review system against his opponent.
The British player conceded it was a difficult call for the official, but believed his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and determined the player was guilty of interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology aren't exclusive to Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the US Open for two years and the Australian Open this year.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have the system implemented at every one of its events.
Further Updates
A further innovation at The Championships 2025 will be the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the audio calls from the ELC system.
This solves situations where fans have occasionally been uncertain if a ball was in or out.
In other news, with exactly 100 days to go until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
