Wimbledon Embraces Video Challenge Technology for the First Time.
Wimbledon will follow the American and Australian Opens in employing video review technology.
Replay systems will be launched at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournament.
Players are granted the ability to contest specific calls from the official, mirroring the system already in use at both the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
This innovation will be accessible on Centre Court and Court One for the duration of the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This move comes just a season following the All England Club introduced ELC, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Players cannot to dispute the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can request the official to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there is no limit on the amount of challenges a player can initiate.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident occurred in Indian Wells recently, where a top player initiated the video challenge against his opponent.
Draper admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his rival had "played the rules effectively."
Official Aurelie Tourte viewed a video and determined Draper was guilty of hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
Video reviews aren't new for Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit plans to have video reviews in place at every one of its events.
Other Changes
A further change at The Championships 2025 involves the introduction of visual indicators on displays to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves instances where spectators have occasionally been uncertain whether a ball was out or in.
Finally, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.
