Wimbledon Introduces Video Challenge System This Season.
Wimbledon will follow the US and Australian Opens in utilizing replay technology.
Replay technology are set to arrive at The Championships this year.
Athletes will gain the right to contest certain calls from the chair umpire, mirroring the system already in operation 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 tournament and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development arrives only a season following the All England Club rolled out ELC, which terminated the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
Reviewable Decisions
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the accuracy of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the umpire to review other decisions, such as:
- If a tennis ball has double-bounced.
- Whether a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Potential hindrance end of a point.
Importantly, there is no limit on the number of reviews a competitor can initiate.
Case in Point
A recent case took place in Indian Wells recently, where a top player used the review system against his opponent.
Draper conceded it was a tough call for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "played the rules effectively."
The umpire watched a video and ruled Draper was responsible for hindrance, granting the point to his opponent.
Growing Trend
This technology aren't new for major tournaments. It was adopted at the American major for two years and the Aussie Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is becoming more common on the WTA circuit, and by the coming year the ATP circuit will have the system in place at all of its events.
Other Changes
A further innovation at The Championships 2025 involves the addition of graphical cues on displays to complement the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This addresses instances where fans have sometimes been uncertain if a ball was in or out.
In other news, with precisely 100 days remaining until the beginning of the Championships, organizers have further revealed an increase in daily capacity at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
