Wimbledon Introduces Video Challenge Technology in 2025.
The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in implementing video review systems.
Video review technology will make its debut at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Athletes are granted the right to contest specific calls made by the chair umpire, following the system already in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Aussie major.
This innovation is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the tournament and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development follows just a year after the AELTC introduced electronic line calling, which terminated the centuries-old role of line judges.
Scope of Challenges
Competitors will not be permitted to dispute the call of the ELC system, but they can request the official to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- If a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball touched an opponent's racquet or person on the way past.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the amount of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative example took place in a recent tournament recently, where Daniil Medvedev initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a tough situation for the official, but thought his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and ruled Draper was responsible for hindrance, awarding the point to his opponent.
Broader Adoption
Video reviews aren't exclusive to major tournaments. The system has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the ATP circuit will have video reviews in place at all of its events.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of graphical cues on scoreboards to support the verbal announcements from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where fans have sometimes been unsure whether a shot was out or in.
In other news, with precisely 100 days to go until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further announced an expansion in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in the qualifying venue.
